REFLECTIONS ON TOURISM, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This paper presents some reflections on the need to contribute to the construction of alternative paradigms for the relationship between tourism, local development and sustainability. These paradigms need to be constructed from an environmental perspective that integrates natural and cultural (social, political and economic) factors rather than analyzing them separately. The paper also exposes the need to include different sectors of society, communities and regions that have so far remained relegated, via community participation, preservation of the environmental, cultures, local identity and autonomy, and diversification of economic activities. Finally the paper presents four categories of analysis that incorporate the principles of sustainable development and responsible tourism: the hommoecosystem, rational-intuitive use, harmonious and ethical tourism, and integrative participatory planning.