Community Tourism Groups: Development for Sustainability

Abstract

Environmental policy in Ireland draws on the principles and priorities set out in the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which was endorsed by Government and published in 1997. It recognises that future development in tourism can be sustainable only if the natural assets upon which they depend are protected. Sustainable tourism aims to meet the needs and aspirations of the host area and its people, holiday makers and operators alike in a way which respects them all and those who will follow on. There are many different government departments and national, regional and local agencies involved directly and indirectly in the promotion and delivery of tourism policies and objectives. There are many community groups and individuals committed to the social and environmental welfare of their localities and communities who are now involved in tourism development as a growing component of economic development. This paper looks at the importance of local community groups who are involved in the development and protection of tourism through both an international and national case study of community based sustainable tourism development. The first case study examines the positive effects of community involvement in tourism planning and development in the Youlong Snow Mountain Region of China. The second case study examines the power behind pressure form local community groups involved in the protection and sustaining of their areas, through the examination of the “10-year saga” of sustainable rural tourism development in the Burren in North Clare