The Role of Environmental Ethics in Sustainable Tourism Development

Today, tourism is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing industries which has been highly regarded by governments for its diverse benefits, including job creation, increasing local and national revenues, expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, making optimal economic investment, and improving the security by reducing political tensions. Nevertheless, tourism can have various economic, social, and cultural consequences on the environment and local communities. Therefore, there are serious ethical considerations in terms of environmental degradation and negative social and cultural impacts of tourism that need to be taken into account in tourism development programs. The aim of this research is to study the role of environmental ethics in sustainable tourism development and provide ethical environmental solutions in the development of tourism.

Considering the fact that, in most cases, few may benefit from tourism development, while its adverse effects influence the society and the environment, ethical solutions such as understanding the real values of nature, assessing the environmental and social impacts of tourism development plans, estimating the carrying capacity of the destination, focusing on sustainable forms and alternative tourism, and establishment of effective laws and regulations are required for a more sustainable and ethical tourism development.