Sustainable tourism development: Scholarship and practice

Although the environment has been discussed in portions of mainstream political economic scholarship, its potential as a resource has not been fully appreciated. Of particular interest is the possibility of utilizing the environment in a process of sustainable development. Sustainable development is what is meant by economic growth with environmental integrity. Even though the concept is used by both academia and decision-makers, its widespread application is limited by a variety of obstacles. One possible method for achieving sustainable development through utilization of the environment is through tourism. A sustainable tourism development plan which is enacted and enforced is necessary to preserve the integrity of the environment. The Cook Islands to date largely succeeded in transcending political, institutional, social, and technological barriers while striving for sustainable development through tourism. Although their tourism policy does minimize the negative environmental impacts while providing economic gain, it is too early to assume that the Cook Islands' experience is relevant for other situations.