Governance for Sustainable Tourism Development: From Theory to Practice

In recent decades, the tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth, transforming into a major force driving global economic development. However, this rapid expansion has often come at a cost, posing significant challenges to the environment and local communities, necessitating sustainable tourism development. Sustainable tourism practices require effective governance, but the term itself lacks a clear definition. It is argued that diverse interpretations of governance hinder the development of effective policy frameworks and practices consequently. This paper aims to establish a foundation for governance frameworks by providing a comprehensive understanding of tourism governance and its models. Through a review of relevant literature, it explores the concept of governance in the context of tourism, unpacking its various definitions and models. Traditionally, governance referred to government control. Today, it emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, private businesses, and local communities. This shift necessitates a move away from hierarchical structures and towards inclusive, pluralistic approaches. Four key models of tourism governance explored: “Hierarchical Governance” with emphasis on the state's role in regulation, “Market Governance” that promotes market forces and reduced state intervention, “Network Governance” that encourages collaboration between different actors, and “Community Governance” which advocates for local participation and social capital. The paper concludes that a more integrated approach that leverages the strengths of different models is crucial for fostering collaboration, equity, environmental responsibility, and economic viability in the tourism industry.

کلیدواژه ها:

Tourism Governance ، Sustainable Tourism Practices ، Hierarchical Governance ، Market Governance ، Network Governance ، Community Governance