What is Sustainable Tourism?

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[B]Sustainable tourism[/B], like a doctor's code of ethics, means "First, do no harm." It is the foundation for destination stewardship.

[B]Sustainable tourism protects its product-the destination[/B]. It avoids the "loved to death" syndrome by anticipating development pressures and applying limits and management techniques that preserve natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.

[B]It conserves resources[/B]. Environmentally aware travelers patronize businesses that reduce pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and excessive nighttime lighting.

[B]It respects local culture and tradition[/B]. Foreign visitors learn local etiquette, including at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own.

[B]It aims for quality, not quantity[/B]. Destinations measure tourism success not just by numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, how they spend their money, and the quality of their experience