By its very nature, tourism values the things that are most precious in our world: stunning landscapes, wildlife, history, culture and people. Tourism can be a catalyst for growth in the local economy, providing good quality jobs, opportunities for enterprise and funds for conservation. But if it is not managed well, tourism can have negative impacts on local communities and environments, creating long term problems for local residents, which can ultimately lead to the decline of tourism in the destination.

The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations. This can be achieved by:

• Protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities
• Providing authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage and culture
• Creating socio-economic benefits for communities through employment and income earning opportunities