What is meant by 'sustainable tourism'?

Sustainable tourism refers to a practice that prioritizes meeting the needs of current tourists while ensuring that the environment, local cultures, and economies are preserved for future generations. This concept emphasizes balancing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. By focusing on the long-term viability of tourist destinations and ensuring that natural and cultural resources are not depleted, sustainable tourism aims to prevent negative consequences that could arise from over-tourism or poorly managed tourism practices. It encourages responsible behavior from tourists and businesses alike to maintain the integrity of destinations.

The understanding of sustainable tourism is rooted in the idea that tourism should not only benefit visitors but also enhance the local community's quality of life and protect natural resources, creating a win-win situation for both tourists and host communities.