Sustainable tourism and global warming: panacea, excuse, or just an accidental connection?

Abstract

PurposeThe debate linking tourism with global warming is very polemical: neither camp engaged in the debate sees the other side. Sustainable tourism is seen by some as a panacea to mitigate the negative impact of tourism on global warming, and by many others as a ploy planted by post‐industrial society to divert attention from the core issues. A few see it as just an accidental relationship. This paper aims to be a reflective essay on the current state of polemics relating to tourism and global warming.Design/methodology/approachA critical review of relevant literature coupled with original reflections of the authors forms the basis of argument employed in this paper. In certain ways, this paper is a meta‐analysis of the existing literature.FindingsIn a conservative sense, the authors do not “find” anything, if finding means a definitive answer to a question. At the same time, it can be said that the objective is achieved since the analysis leads to the opening up of fresh streams of thought and balanced perspectives on politically charged issues.Originality/valueThe authors do not try to market yet another version of the “original”. The value of what is discussed in this paper lies in bringing together seemingly disparate and diverse perspectives on global warming and sustainable tourism. This is useful for everyone, especially for those tasked with building consensus as well as those interested in seeing the political nature of such consensus.