Sustainable and alternative tourism.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses sustainable and alternative tourism, and examines and analyzes varying views, issues and prospects for sustainable tourism. No doubt the term is one of the most controversial in the study and management of tourism. Despite non-consensus among academics and practitioners on definition, the majority agree that effective planning and management decisions are the underlining principle, and ideas revolving around alternatives to mass tourism are usually advocated. The focus throughout this chapter is on the development of tourism in the context of the unique sociocultural, economic and physical environment of a given community. The chapter also goes further to examine the key theories and ideas related to environmental tourism, exploring a range of management and planning principles associated with sustainable tourism development.