Tourism needs more 'cultural immersion'

SUSTAINABILITY is embracing tourism in important new ways. Global discussion is expanding beyond the economic and environmental strands of sustainability, to cover also the social.

Social sustainability in tourism is about ensuring that products and services resist the descent to the lowest common denominator, that what is modern and practical does not totally edge out the colour and character of local culture. It is about preserving tangible and intangible heritage.

Tourism can certainly boost the economy, especially in less developed places. But if demand and supply are not managed well, and if development does not bring inclusive benefits to resident populations, tourism can destroy the environment and devastate communities.