The constraints on the development of rural tourism enterprises in the western region. Summary
Summary
This study will define the concept of sustainable tourism and its role in tourism development. It will identify similarities and contrasts involved in the planning and the development of sustainable tourism between Sligo and Donegal county councils.
The Research Team
Mr. James Hanrahan Principal Researcher Department of Business & Humanities, IT, Sligo. Dr. Perry Share Joint Researcher Department of Business & Humanities, IT, Sligo. Ms. Janice McNelis Research Student Department of Business & Humanities, IT Sligo.
Background
Sustainable Tourism is an approach to managing an industry which attempts to manage negative impacts of tourism while maximising the social, physical and economic benefits.
Internationally tourism is the largest economic sector in terms of earnings and the number of people employed.
“Sustainable Tourism development meets the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and the life support systems.” (WTO 2002)
It is vital for the future of Ireland with regard to tourism that it develops and maintains an image as an uncrowded, relaxed island of great beauty, with a distinctive heritage and culture, a friendly welcoming people, high quality facilities and a superb unspoilt environment of outdoor activity. sustainability in tourism will also benefit social, cultural and economic matters in the country, and in this study the main focus being the North West, namely Donegal and Sligo will be dissussed at length. The West of Ireland could maintain improved standards with regard to tourism, thus showing obvious signs of sustainability in tourism and therefore showing significant improvements in areas of social, cultural and economical nature.
Project Details
To define “sustainable tourism and discuss it’s importance in maintaining a viable tourism region”
To identify the role of Sligo and Donegal county councils in relation to the planning, development and implementation of the tourism policy.
To examine the development and planning process used by both agencies.
To examine the similarities and differences in tourism planning through comparative analysis in both county councils.
to identify best practice and models from an international context and evaluate the possibility of their application in this region.