FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the conceptual definition of sustainable tourism development is as follows:

"Sustainable development guidelines and sustainable tourism management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural tourism development. To ensure the long term sustainability of the latter, we must strike the right balance between these three aspects. "

Tourisme Québec, in its document Ecotourism and nature tourism, guidance and 2003-2008 action plan was inspired by several sources to establish its definition of sustainable tourism:

"Sustainable tourism now meets the needs of tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing resources for the future. Sustainable tourism leads to integrated management of all resources in order to meet economic, social and aesthetic needs while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and vital environment. Sustainable tourism concerns ways, manage and develop that are adopted and implemented by tourism operators. "

Moreover, the World Tourism Organization issued a global Code of Ethics for Tourism, whose principles are based on sustainable tourism.
source : http://veilletourisme.ca/2005/05/25/le-tourisme-durable-equitable-solidaire-responsable-social-un-brin-de-comprehension/