Concept for sustainable development of tourist destination (on the example of Varna municipality)

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Title of the dissertationConcept for sustainable development of tourist destination (on the example of Varna municipality)SupervisorProf. Svetla Rakadjiiska, University of Economics - Varna, BulgariaInstitution awarding the Ph. D. DegreeInstitute of Economics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, SofiaDate of defence17th April 2008Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalThe main goal is to develop a concept for sustainable development of tourist destinations, and the specific mechanism for its implementation. The author's thesis is that achieving the necessary sustainable development of tourist destination requires clear concepts and specific mechanisms. These are elaborated on the basis of analysed sustainable development of the destination, taking into account specific environment and pre-conditions, in order to achieve a balance between the destination development and preservation of its natural and social environment.Objectives1. Presenting a concept for solving negative impacts of tourism development at the tourist destination.2. Defining a solution for preventing and eliminating the negative consequences of tourism development in the destination, while keeping or increasing its competitiveness and attractiveness.3. Defining a specific methodology and mechanism for the implementation of the solution for a balance between tourism development and long term development of the destination.Methodology1. Theoretical and comparative analysis.2. Methods of deduction and induction.3. Survey of 50 respondents, including representatives of tourist organisations, the local government, public institutions and NGOs. The survey was conducted in Varna municipality.4. Analysis of sustainable development of the tourist destination implementing a specially elaborated methodology.Results1. Elaborated concept for development of tourist destinations based on the theory of sustainable development.2. Elaborated specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination identified as a key determinant for sustainable development of the tourist destination.3. Created appropriate methodology for the analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination.4. The methodology for analysis and assessment of sustainable development of the tourist destination as implemented and tested for Varna Municipality.5. The directions for sustainable development of Varna tourist destination are determined.Theoretical conclusionsThe idea of sustainable development is fundamental for tourism transformation, because the negative impacts on the natural and social environment are minimised fostering positive short and long-term economical and social benefits. Sustainable development of tourism can be better achieved when the specific characteristics and problems are raised and addressed, meaning they should be considered at the local level, namely the tourist destination.To achieve balance between the development of the tourist destination and preservation of the environment, key resources and values, that are critical for having a sustainable destination, should be identified and protected. This includes the elaboration of specific mechanism for sustainable development of the tourist destination, for example the preservation of the irreversible natural and social capital.Practical application of the dissertationThe concept of sustainable development of the tourist destination can be used for:- solving the problem of de-coupling the tourism development from its destructive exploitation of natural and social capital without decreasing the well-being of local population;- creating a strategy for the development of the tourist destination based on the principles of sustainable development.Content of the dissertationAbstract of chapter oneIn the first chapter, the concept of sustainable development of tourist destinations is elaborated. …