This study aims to identify the necessary policies and strategies for sustainable tourism growth by examining the relationship between tourism and sustainable development. In the study, the historical development of tourism and the evolution of the concept of sustainability are discussed with socio-economic and environmental dimensions. A comprehensive assessment has been made using literature review, statistical data and comparative analysis. While the study found that tourism contributes significantly to economic growth, cultural change and regional development, it also identified negative impacts such as environmental degradation, external dependency and social inequalities. In developing countries such as Türkiye, adopting sustainable tourism policies and developing strategies targeting high-income groups can increase the resilience of the sector.