Sustainability of tourism destinations and the importance of certification

Abstract

Purpose

The desired balance between human activity and environmental development and protection requires a clear and equitable distribution of responsibilities, regarding consumption and behavior toward natural and cultural resources. This paper aims to take a look at the relationship between tourism and sustainable development and the prospect of certified sustainable tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the literature on the impacts of tourism and the application of sustainable development principles in the context of destination development.

Findings

Environmental certification has proven to be an important policy instrument, helping consumers to choose products and services that are less harmful to the environment and more authentic, serving as a marketing tool for companies that differentiate their products in the market.

Originality/value

The process of certification of tourist destinations is an issue that is little discussed, despite the numerous advantages for the destinations.

Citation

Costa, J., Rodrigues, D. and Gomes, J. (2019), "Sustainability of tourism destinations and the importance of certification", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 11 No. 6, pp. 677-684. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-08-2019-0050