RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Prerequisites for the formation and development of the «sustainable tourism» terminology over the past 30 years are examined in the article. A detailed study of the regulatory and methodological base of sustainable tourism as a type of tourist activity critically important for the environment has been conducted. Sustainable tourism is a concept that encompasses the entire tourism experience, including addressing economic, social and environmental issues, as well as focusing on improving the tourist experience and meeting the needs of local communities. The international experience of regulation and implementation of the principles of sustainable tourism in the activities of tourist organizations is considered. The meaningful principles of sustainable tourism, its concept, philosophy and impact on the economic, ecological and social spheres of public life are separated. The differences between classic tourism and sustainable tourism are considered. The importance of the implementation of the principles of sustainable tourism for local communities and the development of the national economies of the countries of the world is noted. The purpose of this study is to summarize the main historical trends in the formation and development of sustainable tourism as a critically important type of tourist activity. The results of a critical analysis of scientific sources in the field of sustainable development of tourism allowed to form a conceptual and categorical research apparatus based on the clarification of such definitions as “sustainable tourism”, “responsible tourism”, “mass tourism” etc. Based on the analysis of regulatory and legal support for the sustainable development of tourism, the stages of the institutional definition of the concept of sustainable tourism are summarized. A comprehensive list of the most common misconceptions about sustainable tourism is presented and ways to correct them are suggested. The necessity of combining economic, ecological and social goals in the sustainable development of tourism for the further balanced development of tourism activities has been proved.