Humanistic Management and Sustainable Tourism: Human, Social and Environmental Challenges

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry that can create shared value and sustainable development, but it conflicts with the dominant neoliberal structure of the economy and hierarchical, profit- and consumption-driven societies. The book offers a humanistic management approach to sustainable tourism that emphasizes the value of human life, the protection of human dignity, and the promotion of well-being. It provides a vision of what tourism could and should be when it recovers from the pandemic crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Tourism is a rapidly evolving and dynamic industry that has emerged as a key driver of economic growth in both developed and developing nations. While the potential for creating shared value and promoting sustainable development within the tourism sector is widely recognized, concerns surrounding environmental and social pressures continue to pose challenges for businesses, organizations, and destinations.

Sustainable tourism, which aims to balance economic viability with environmental conservation and social responsibility, arguably conflicts with the dominant neoliberal economic structure and the hierarchical, profit-driven societies prevalent in many countries. The relentless pursuit of competition, growth, and profitability may inadvertently undermine the very foundations of economic sustainability by consuming non-renewable resources and undermining the six essential elements that are conceptually linked to sustainable development: dignity, people, prosperity, social justice, planet, and partnership.

The recurrent crises that have impacted the global travel and tourism environment, including climate change, bushfires, extreme weather disasters, pandemics, and financial crises, serve as stark reminders of the weaknesses of neoliberal approaches and the collective economic dependency of countries on tourism. This vulnerability highlights the urgent need for developing entirely new approaches and interpretations of tourism to effectively address the human, societal, social, and climate challenges we face today.

This book presents a novel and innovative perspective that advocates for the application of a humanistic management approach to sustainable tourism. Central to this approach is the recognition of the inherent value of human life, the protection of human dignity, and the promotion of well-being. By integrating humanistic principles into the planning, development, and management of tourism, this book seeks to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable tourism industry that benefits both tourists and host communities.

Throughout the book, a diverse range of theoretical frameworks, methods, and practical cases are explored on an international scale. These cases provide valuable insights into shared value creation, human-centered design, and the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations in tourism development. By drawing on these diverse perspectives, the book aims to equip readers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism.

In conclusion, tourism is a powerful force for economic development and social progress, but it must be approached with a holistic and sustainable mindset. By recognizing the value of human life, protecting human dignity, and promoting well-being, we can create a tourism industry that benefits both tourists and host communities while preserving the planet for future generations. This book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on sustainable tourism and provides a roadmap for building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for the industry.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367623371