CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2023
| Author | Poyato Sala, Maria |
|---|---|
| Title | Towards Sustainable Tourism: exploring the Green Destinations Certification in the South African Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region. A case study of Shik Shack and the Nourish Eco-Village |
| Summary | The tourism industry can promote positive environmental, social, and economic impacts but can also harm a tourism destination's natural environment and local communities. In response to these adverse effects, sustainable tourism has gained worldwide recognition. Sustainable tourism certifications, such as the Green Destinations Certification (GDC), have emerged as a guide for stakeholders to implement sustainable tourism. This thesis studies the implementation of the GDC in the South African Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C BR) and its promise to promote sustainability. Through the investigation of Shik Shack and Nourish as a case study, the research proves that the GDC is a valuable tool to promote sustainability practices. Still, it requires a local intermediary and tailoring it to the characteristics of the destination to achieve its maximum potential. Additionally, it should be applied through the lenses of the stakeholder theory to unify tourism stakeholders and maximize their possibilities to promote sustainable tourism within the K2C BR. Drawing on a qualitative research methodology, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings contribute to understanding paths to promote sustainable tourism in the Global South, especially in conflicting zones nearby protected areas (PAs). This thesis also provides strategies to be implemented in the K2C BR to uplift local communities and preserve natural resources through the use of the GDC. |
| Supervisor | Anthony, Brandon P. |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2023/poyato-sala_maria.pdf |
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