Literature Review

of
Sustainable Tourism Development

Student ID:

Student Name:
Table of Contents
Executive Summary:....................................................................................................................................3
Purpose and Method of this Report:.......................................................................................................3
Findings and Conclusions:........................................................................................................................3
Recommendations:..................................................................................................................................4
Introductions:..............................................................................................................................................4
Poverty Alleviation:.....................................................................................................................................5
Climate Change and Carbon Emissions:.......................................................................................................5
Role and Impacts of Different Stakeholders on Poverty Alleviation:...........................................................6
Role of WTO in Poverty Alleviation:............................................................................................................7
Role of Micro- and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Climate Change and Carbon Emissions:........................7
Role of National Tourism Boards (NTBs) to Reduce Carbon Emissions:...................................................7
References...................................................................................................................................................9
Executive Summary:
Sustainable tourism development has become a crucial aspect of the global tourism industry.
Tourism can contribute to sustainable development by promoting economic growth, social well-
being, and environmental conservation. However, there are various sustainability challenges that
the tourism industry faces, such as poverty alleviation and climate change. This literature review
focuses on the role of three key stakeholders, local communities, micro- and small enterprises
(MSEs), and national tourism boards (NTBs), in addressing these challenges and achieving
sustainable tourism development. The findings suggest that these stakeholders play a significant
role in mitigating the challenges and promoting sustainable tourism development. The report
concludes by providing recommendations for further research and practical measures to enhance
sustainable tourism development.

Purpose and Method of this Report:

The goal of this report is to look at the research on the roles of local communities, micro, small,
and medium enterprises (MSEs), and non-state actors (NTBs) in addressing poverty and climate
change in the tourism industry. This report uses a method called a "systematic review." This
method involves a thorough search of the relevant literature, a critical evaluation of the results,
and a synthesis of the results to help explain the research topic.

Findings and Conclusions:

Findings:

 Local communities, MSEs, and NTBs contribute to sustainability and sustainable tourism
growth.
 Pro-poor tourism (PPT) reduces poverty by empowering local communities to make
choices and profit from tourism.
 MSEs can reduce the carbon emissions of the tourist industry by using renewable energy
and reducing waste. NTBs can also create policies and programs to encourage tourism
companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Conclusions:

 Sustainable tourism development needs local communities, MSEs, and NTBs to address
sustainability issues and promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
 Tourism locations can empower local communities and provide economic opportunities
with PPT.
 Financial incentives and skill building can help MSEs and NTBs reduce tourism-related
carbon emissions by adopting sustainable tourism practices. 
Recommendations:

 Encouraging the participation of locals in tourism events with the goal of maximizing the
positive effects of tourism for poverty alleviation. This can be achieved through policies
that promote community participation in decision-making processes, training programs
for community members to acquire tourism-related skills, and creating job opportunities
for locals.
 Improving the World Tourism Organization's (WTO) leadership in fostering sustainable
tourist development and poverty alleviation The WTO can continue to develop policies
and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism practices, specifically in underdeveloped
regions, and promote the spread of best practices and knowledge.
 Encouraging micro and small businesses in the tourism sector to adopt sustainable
tourism practices to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental
conservation. This can be achieved through financial incentives, training programs, and
capacity building for MSEs to adopt sustainable practices.
 Encouraging national tourism boards (NTBs) to develop policies and initiatives to reduce
carbon emissions in the tourism industry. NTBs can provide financial incentives to
tourism businesses that adopt sustainable practices, establish certification programs for
sustainable tourism, and promote sustainable tourism practices through marketing
campaigns.
 More study is required to determine which strategies are the most successful stakeholder
approaches to achieving sustainable tourism development. This can be done through case
studies, surveys, and empirical studies to identify the most effective strategies and
practices for promoting sustainable tourism development.

In the end, sustainable tourism development needs the help of many different groups, such as
local communities, MSEs, NTBs, and international groups like the WT. These stakeholders are
very important when it comes to addressing the sustainability problems that the tourism industry
faces, such as reducing poverty and adapting to climate change, and promoting the growth of
tourism in a sustainable way. The suggestions in this report can help stakeholders grow tourism
in a way that is good for the environment and helps reach the Sustainable Development Goals set
by the UN.

Introductions: 
The tourism industry is one of the world's most dynamic and important industries, affecting the
economies of both developed and developing countries (Elliott, 2020). However, tourism has its
drawbacks, such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and income inequality,
among others. Poverty is a significant challenge faced by contemporary society, and tourism has
been identified as pro-poor (Dada, 2022). Tourism is a means by which visitors can help those in
need; thus the name.
Pro-poor tourism is an approach that seeks to maximize the profits that poor people can make
from tourism, including local communities and individuals who are often marginalized in society
(Dada, 2022). It emphasizes community participation, local ownership, and the equitable
distribution of tourism benefits. This literature review aims to explore the role of different
stakeholders in promoting pro-poor tourism and poverty alleviation through sustainable tourism
development.

The review will examine the role and impacts of different stakeholders, including local
communities, employees, the government, and the private sector (industry), in conjunction with
the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UNWTO), in promoting poverty
alleviation through pro-poor tourism. The review will also explore the challenges and
opportunities associated with implementing pro-poor tourism, such as the need for capacity
building, community participation, and the creation of job opportunities for locals.

The review will also explore how sustainable travel can help with issues like the sustainability
challenges facing the tourism industry, such as climate change and carbon emissions. The review
will examine the role of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) and national tourism boards
(NTBs) in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The main goal of this analysis of the literature is to shed light on the roles of the different
stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism development and reducing poverty through pro-
poor tourism. The results and suggestions of this review can help stakeholders expand tourism in
a way that is good for the environment and helps reach the UN's Sustainable Development
Goals.

Poverty Alleviation:
Reducing poverty is a key part of developing tourism in a way that is sustainable, and tourism
can play a big role in doing this in destination communities (Strydom, 2019). Ro-poor tourism
(PPT) is an idea that tries to help the poor get the most out of tourism while minimizing its bad
effects.PPT involves getting local communities involved in tourism activities and giving them
the power to make decisions and make money from the tourism industry (Thetsane, 2019).

Literature suggests that tourism is a very important way for local communities to help fight
poverty. By taking part in tourism activities, they can make more money, make more jobs
available, and help keep their culture alive. Sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing waste
and saving energy, can also be used by local communities to lessen the environmental damage
caused by tourism (Achmad, 2022). But the success of PPT depends on how much local
communities are given power and how much they are involved in tourism activities.

An analysis of the World Trade Organization's function in poverty alleviation is also significant.
The WTO has recognized the potential of tourism in poverty alleviation and has developed
policies and initiatives to promote sustainable tourism development (Liang, 2018). For example,
the WTO's Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program aims to provide poor
destination areas with jobs and income.
Climate Change and Carbon Emissions:
Sustainability issues, such as climate change and carbon emissions, pose serious difficulties for
the tourist sector. About eight percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from the
travel and tourism sector (Lenzen, 2018). To lessen the effects of global warming, cutting down
on carbon emissions from the tourism sector is essential.

MSEs play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry. MSEs can adopt
sustainable tourism practices, such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable
transportation, to reduce their carbon footprint. MSEs can also implement sustainable tourism
practices in their supply chains, such as sourcing locally produced goods and services, to reduce
carbon emissions (Bigerna, 2019).

NTBs also play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry. NTBs can
develop policies and initiatives to promote sustainable tourism practices, such as energy
conservation and waste reduction, in the tourism industry. NTBs can also encourage tourism
businesses to adopt sustainable practices by providing incentives, such as tax breaks and grants
(Birendra, 2021).

Role and Impacts of Different Stakeholders on Poverty Alleviation:

Local Communities: Local communities are crucial stakeholders in promoting poverty
alleviation through tourism. Pro-poor tourism aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism are
equitably distributed among local communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable to
poverty (Gascón, 2015). Local communities can participate in tourism activities by providing
services such as accommodation, transportation, and tour guiding, among others. This
involvement can create job opportunities for locals and promote entrepreneurship, leading to
poverty alleviation. Moreover, local communities can participate in decision-making processes
related to tourism development, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are
represented.

Employees: Employees are critical stakeholders in promoting poverty alleviation through

tourism (Medina‐Muñoz, 2016). Pro-poor tourism aims to ensure that employees obtain just
compensation and work in environments that protect their health and safety. This involvement
can create employment opportunities for locals, leading to poverty alleviation. Moreover,
employees can participate in training programs to acquire new skills and knowledge related to
tourism, leading to career development and poverty alleviation.

Government: Governments play a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation through tourism.
Governments can develop policies and regulations that promote pro-poor tourism, including the
equitable distribution of tourism benefits among local communities. Governments can also invest
in infrastructure development, such as roads, airports, and public transport, leading to the
creation of job opportunities and poverty alleviation (Saner, 2019). Moreover, governments can
provide financial incentives to tourism businesses that adopt sustainable practices, leading to
poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.

Private Sector (Industry): The private sector is a key player in promoting tourism as a way to
reduce poverty (Scheyvens, 2016). Businesses in the private sector can give locals jobs and
encourage entrepreneurship, which can help reduce poverty. Also, businesses in the private
sector can help make tourism more sustainable by doing things like reducing their carbon
footprint and promoting environmental conservation. This can help reduce poverty and keep the
environment healthy.

Organization of the United Nations for Tourism (UNWTO): The UNWTO is a vital player in
advancing poverty reduction initiatives in the tourist sector (Briones, 2017). The UNWTO can
develop policies and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism practices, particularly in
developing countries, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and knowledge. The UNWTO
can also provide capacity-building programs and financial support to developing countries to
promote sustainable tourism practices, leading to poverty alleviation.

Role of WTO in Poverty Alleviation: 

The United Nations' World Tourist Organization (UNWTO) works to ensure that travel is both
environmentally friendly and open to all people. The WTO plays a crucial role in promoting
poverty alleviation through tourism. The WTO can develop policies and initiatives that promote
pro-poor tourism practices, such as community participation, local ownership, and the equitable
distribution of tourism benefits (Saayman, 2016). The WTO can also facilitate the sharing of best
practices and knowledge related to poverty alleviation through tourism.

Also, the WTO can help developing countries fight poverty by giving them programs to build
their skills and money to support sustainable tourism practices. The WTO can also promote
sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting environmental
conservation, and promoting social responsibility, which lead to poverty alleviation and
environmental sustainability.

Role of Micro- and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Climate Change and Carbon Emissions:

Micro and small businesses (MSEs) are a key part of the tourism industry's effort to cut carbon
emissions. MSEs can adopt sustainable tourism practices, such as energy-efficient technologies,
waste reduction, and water conservation, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and
environmental sustainability. MSEs can also participate in certification programs, such as Green
Globe and Earth Check, which promote sustainable tourism practices, leading to poverty
alleviation and environmental sustainability (Wairimu, 2015). Moreover, MSEs can collaborate
with other stakeholders, such as local communities and governments, to promote sustainable
tourism practices, leading to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.

 
Role of National Tourism Boards (NTBs) to Reduce Carbon Emissions:

National Tourism Boards (NTBs) are very important to reducing carbon emissions in the tourism
industry. NTBs can make rules and policies that encourage sustainable tourism practices, like
reducing carbon emissions and taking care of the environment (Dovgal, 2020). NTBs can also
offer financial incentives to tourism businesses that use sustainable methods, which can help
reduce poverty and protect the environment.

Also, NTBs can make it easier for people to share best practices and knowledge about
sustainable tourism practices, which can help reduce poverty and protect the environment. NTBs
can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as local communities and the private sector, to
promote sustainable tourism practices that lead to poverty alleviation and environmental
sustainability.
References
Achmad, W. &. (2022). Corporate social responsibility of the hospitality industry in realizing sustainable
tourism development. Enrichment: Journal of Management, 12(2), 1610-1616.

Bigerna, S. M. (2019). Willingness to pay for electric boats in a protected area in Italy: A sustainable
tourism perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224, 603-613.

Birendra, K. C. (2021). Tourism and the sustainable development goals: Stakeholders' perspectives.
Tourism Management Perspectives, 38, 100822.

Briones, Z. B. (2017). Enhancing Community Based Tourism Programs of Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm
Towards Sustainable Tourism Development. Journal of Economic Development, Management,
IT, Finance & Marketing, 9(1).

Dada, Z. A. (2022). Pro-Poor Tourism as an Antecedent of Poverty Alleviation: An Assessment of the

Local Community Perception. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Systems, 15(1).

Dovgal, O. G. (2020). Sustainable ecological development of the global economic system. The
institutional aspect. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 11(3), 728-740.

Elliott, J. (2020). Tourism: Politics and public sector management. Routledge.

doi:https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003070986

Gascón, J. (2015). Pro‐poor tourism as a strategy to fight rural poverty: A critique. Journal of Agrarian
Change, 15(4), 499-518.

Lenzen, M. S. (2018). The carbon footprint of global tourism. Nature climate change, 8(6), 522-528.

Liang, Z. &. (2018). Targeted poverty alleviation in China: Segmenting small tourism entrepreneurs and
effectively supporting them. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26(11), 1984-2001.

Medina‐Muñoz, D. R.‐M.‐P. (2016). A sustainable development approach to assessing the engagement

of tourism enterprises in poverty alleviation. Sustainable Development, 24(4), 220-236.

Saayman, M. &. (2016). Community-based and pro-poor tourism: Initial assessment of their relation to
community development. European Journal of Tourism Research, 12, 145-190.

Saner, R. Y. (2019). Tourism development in least developed countries: Challenges and opportunities.
Sustainable Tourism: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice, 94-120.

Scheyvens, R. B. (2016). The private sector and the SDGs: The need to move beyond ‘business as usual.
Sustainable Development, 24(6), 371-382.

Strydom, A. J. (2019). Making community-based tourism sustainable: Evidence from the Free State
province, South Africa. Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites, 24(1), 7-18.
Thetsane, R. M. (2019). Local community participation in tourism development: The case of Katse
villages in Lesotho. Athens Journal of Tourism, 6(2), 123-140.

Wairimu, W. W. (2015). Micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) as suppliers to the
extractive industry. United Nations Development Programme Report. Retrieved from
https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/ke/652f5d430727419f5ef9c8096
3a1bcd9f70da60d289190f059fd2607f71d3b31.pdf