Discussion Papers on Sustaianble Tourism

Tourism is a major sector that has the potential of affecting the social, economic and environmental aspects of society. As such, it requires proper planning and the input of the government to ensure that the policies in place are consistent with the sustainability for the current generation and for posterity. Such includes the planning cycle that exhibits efficiency and effectiveness towards tourism industry that is sensitive to the economic needs of the society. This paper will criticize, compare and provide reflection regarding two discussion papers within the area of economic sustainability of the tourism industry as a way of minimizing the negative implication the sector may have on the livelihood of people. In reflection, it will provide necessary insight, knowledge, and professional skills handy in writing my discussion paper.

Discussion Papers Critique

The structure and content of the Discussion paper is essential in determining its effectiveness once it is implemented. However, without the proper structure and vagueness in content, there is a possibility of not realizing the desired outcome. Before the establishment of the agenda, it is crucial that the policy planners understand the benefits of that particular policy, how it will affect human and the values which are the basis of the decision. After that, then the process of setting agendas, development of the policy, policy assessment, decision making and policy implementation can follow. The cycle allows various adjustments to be made once it is complete and goals are achieved or not. The content of the paper throughout should be consistent with the topic. It is within this two parameters that the critique will be.

The discussion paper by Neto, (pp.212, 2003), the aspects of the benefits of tourism are well elaborated and how with proper management the area has the ability to reduce poverty through creation of employment. These benefits would be realized not my merely expanding the industry but allowing the participation of the local communities in the matters of tourism. The national government should not bypass the locals who feel the impact of tourism first hand. The agenda setting and policy development seem to emerge as the discussion tend to surround the changes in the tourism sector globally in terms of growth rate and the number of visitors in every continent in the world. Further, the analysis of the recent trends and the brainstorming on the dynamics of the tourism sector seem to be clear and precise. The foreign exchange earnings from Tourism in 1999 had gone higher than that of some industries like the agricultural exports, in some of the Island economies in the world. However, the economic significance of these changes would not be seen in the form of tangible results. Notably, most of the revenue from tourism is used in other forms leaving investment margin too little. For example, repatriation of foreign investors, purchase of consumer goods and equipment required by tourists and amortization of foreign debts expended in tourism development.

Additionally, the revenue generated from tourism is used to repair the harms caused by tourism like trying to rehabilitate the natural environment to minimize the degradation, clear sewages, treatment of litter among other things. The reason is that most tourists generate high levels of waste than the standard rates because of the high level of consumption. In the long run, the poor environment caused by the tourists becomes a deterrent, and they abhor such areas to cleaner environments leaving the community experiencing the aftermath. In areas where tourism thrive, but the economic livelihoods of the people is low, crime rate may increase, and issues of moral decadence can still be experienced. The decision making seems implied based on the facts generated regarding the current state of affairs. The policy formulated relates to establishing a pro-poor tourism. Neto, (pp. 215, 2003) appreciates that the tourism industry has made good progress in a sustainable environment like eco-tourism but he suggests those agendas have little to do with poverty alleviation for the community and thats why the pro-poor policy is the way to go.

Rinzin, Vermeulen, and Glasbergen, (pp. 109, 2007) discussion paper provides a good starting point by explaining the benefits of tourism and how that interrelates with human beings. The note that tourism the fastest growing industry in the world especially for the developed economies give that there is an increased desire for recreation and luxury every so often. With that, there is increased tourism and a greater need to seek sustainable tourism. Additionally, tourists from rich economies are increasingly traveling to developing countries where they can enjoy leisure and the natural beauty with a scenic view of the environment and wildlife. Such kind of a scenario shows positive growth of the economy but also poses some risks associated with tourism especially in the natural environment. The discussion paper elaborates on the agenda setting whose aim is to have the positive economic impacts of tourism without creating environmental problems which may inhibit sustainability for posterity and in the long run cancel the foreign exchange attributable to tourism. To set out the agendas well to develop the required policy necessitated the understanding of the key players and stakeholders in the tourism sector that includes tour guides, local communities in the tourism sites, hotel owners and restaurant operators and the government in Bhuhan.

The policy assessment is set against the existing policies by the government aimed at managing the tourism sector to mitigate adverse impacts. For instance, the government of Bhuhan has had high tariffs per tourist to ensure the provision of quality services with a motive of high value and low impact. The seasonal tourism means that due to climatic changes and cultural events, tourism is highest when traditional and cultural events are running. That is something that should be included in the policy. The sustainability of tourism in Bhuhan was gradually becoming compromised as shown from the recent trends in the distribution of income among various players in the chain and also environmental impacts. However, it is unclear how the community can get an increased share of the tourism revenue and how more they can be included. The mountain trekking, for instance, leaves soil to erosion, natural wastes are generated and the natural habitats of wildlife are also affected. Thus, the final decision to address these challenges would be eco-tourism where the natural environment is preserved and maintained such that sustainability is possible.

Comparison of the Discussion Papers

Both discussion papers have one goal of ensuring sustainability but have different approaches and utilization of the planning policy cycle. In both, the benefits of tourism are well explained and how sustainable environment would lead to the realization of higher revenues and quality services thus the growth of the industry. In both, the agendas and policy development are based on the current trends in the tourism sector. The trends are statistics from the world tourism organization that analyzes how tourism has changed over time based on changing lifestyles of people. In both discussion papers, it is evident, that natural environment awareness and inclusiveness of local communities are critical steps in a sustainable tourism sector.

However, there are also notable differences between the two discussion papers. Neto, (pp. 212 -222, 2003), provides an incredible solution that goes beyond mere protection of the environment. He asserts that environmental protection is the first stage and cannot be the end in itself. In utilizing critical thinking and broad consideration of matters, he considers the impact of poverty reduction among the surrounding communities. In a sense, the quality of his discussion paper is higher than that of Rinzin, Vermeulen, and Glasbergen, (pp. 109-125)2007, since a community with financial independent will provide quality services for the tourists and offer a conducive environment for tourism. Additionally, the local community will not feel left out or disadvantaged by the government and their resource base benefiting just a few. In poverty reduction for the locals especially in developing countries, the communities will be positive about the tourism projects, and thus the implementation of the policy has a high probability of being effective. However, in eco-tourism, the likelihood of the effectiveness of this policy might be a bit low given that the community might feel as just a means to the end.

Reflection and Conclusion

In writing a discussion paper of high quality, it is essential to use literature and research from other studies, but critical thinking of the full scope is necessary. I am now aware of the importance of the impact of the locals in the implementation of projects related to tourism. Apparently, the local communities do not just want to be consulted but would like to feel real changes in their personal lives as a result of the tourism related policy. Also, to have a discussion paper of high quality, it is important to maintain a narrow line of thought to offer all required details. Sustainability has a wider scope than just the environment and also incorporates social-economic issues and culture. Therefore, the ability to make correct analysis is essential in developing and implementing a policy in a discussion paper.

Bibliography

Neto, F., 2003, August. A new approach to sustainable tourism development: Moving beyond environmental protection. In Natural resources forum (Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 212-222). Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Rinzin, C., Vermeulen, W.J. and Glasbergen, P., 2007. Ecotourism as a mechanism for sustainable development: the case of Bhutan. Environmental Sciences, 4(2), pp.109-125.