Environmental Awareness in the Sun, Sea and Sand Tourism Sector. A Study with the Delphi Technique

Abstract

The so-called sun, sea and sand tourism continues to be the type of tourism that fosters the greatest flow of passengers on an international scale, giving rise to an economic impact and job creation. However, like any other type of economic and human activity, it generates negative externalities that manifest themselves in environmental impacts. The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme led by The World Tourism Organization announces its new vision for global tourism– growing better, stronger, and balancing the needs of people, planet and prosperity. Beyond good intentions, with the Delphi technique as a tool, a first approach has been made to elucidate the environmental awareness of the sector, the commitment to develop and incorporate sustainable plans to behave in an ethical manner and contribute to economic development while the quality of the environment and local communities as a whole. 14 professionals were selected to participate in the Delphi, all from different companies worldwide focused on geographical areas intended for sun, sea and sand tourism. Obtaining as a response, still, a sector with very weak awareness that does not incorporate the environment into its operational structures, it does not take responsibility for its own actions nor future sustainable developments.

Keywords

• environment; delphi method; sun, sea and sand tourism sector; sustainable tourism; corporate social responsibility; awareness.