Social Value and Tourism: A Key for Sustainable Development
Chapter from the book:
Bayram,
A.
T.
&
Gargacı Kınay,
A.
(eds.)
2024.
Researches on Tourism III.
Synopsis
This study explores the potential for tourism to create social value that contributes to sustainable development, by using a mixed method for 31 tourism professionals. Drawing on existing literature and sample questionnaires from tourism professionals, the study examines the role of tourism in addressing social and economic challenges, promoting social cohesion, and enhancing cultural understanding. The study highlights examples of community-based tourism initiatives, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural heritage protection as ways in which tourism can create social value. The study also acknowledges the challenges and potential drawbacks of tourism, such as negative effects on the environment, displacement of locals, and commodification of culture, and argues that tourism can be a key driver of sustainable development if planned and managed in a way that maximizes social value and minimizes negative impacts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including the tourism industry, to ensure that tourism promotes sustainable development and social value for all.