Tourism and Sustainable Development An Environmental Perspective

Rapid and uncontrolled tourism development has exposed the fragile environment to an ever-increasing risk of degradation. Unfortunately, both public and private sectors have been working to the detriment of the environment. In fact, tourism development has interfaced with the original characteristics of the area upon which it relied for attracting tourists. This means that tourism industry although mostly is ecologically based, it is not ecologically sound. These facts have increased awareness of tourism impact on environment amongst academics and social sectors. The author believes that sustainable development principles must become more serious and applicable and all three sectors i.e. public, private and social sectors, should commit themselves to move towards sustainability of environment. The article ends with suggesting a general framework for assessing tourism impacts on environment in the hope of effective transition towards sustainability in planning and development of tourism industry