Pillars of sustainability: The three basic pillars of sustainability are: social, economic and environmental. Whereas few more can be added in the list of pillars which support the growth of sustainability are governance or political participation and policies; participation of people and society which lead to responsible behavior and sustainability. The three type of tourism which is considered to be the pillars of sustainable tourism are: Responsible Tourism, Eco Tourism and Community Based Tourism.
Responsible tourism by definition is a kind of tourism which is enjoyed and done in a more responsible way. It focuses more on reducing the negative impact of tourism on different sphere of life of host/ local people.
Eco Tourism in simple terms is the type of tourism which focuses more on natural environment, and is intended to support conservation effort and preserve wildlife and flora and fauna.
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Community Based Tourism, it is more of a kind in which local community are more involve and tourism activities are more directed by local community people, in a friendly and authentic way which in turn generate revenue for them and help in upliftment of their living standard.
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Benefits from sustainable development; sustainable development leads to long term environmental practices which gives a better quality of life for all member of the society. Business practices with low environmental impact leads to economic development combined with sustainable transport systems bringing solid economic growth and economic prosperity.
Plans, policies and programs from government (public) and private sector give immense contribution in development of tourism at a destination. Political and administrative help can be extended if the locals are receptive to the change and the same assistance is provided by the other side.
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Relation between carrying capacity and sustainability
Carrying capacity and sustainability can be said to share an inversely proportional relationship. If carrying capacity is increased sustainability will decrease. If not the mathematical expression, the relationship between carrying capacity and sustainability can be explained in the way that, both of them are interrelated and share a strong bond.
Carrying capacity of a place affects sustainability and sustainable and thoughtful development of the place affects carrying capacity. For a responsible, economical and balanced environmental development of the destination carrying capacity and sustainability should always be taken into account and consideration.
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More the tourist visiting a place will affect the carrying capacity, which further will affect the environment and ecology (soil erosion, pollution of water resources, landslides, loss of species, etc.) which will affect the sustainability of the destination in turn. The same will happen with social and cultural aspect of the destination, economical aspects and physical aspect of the destination. Therefore, it can be summarized that the carrying capacity should be checked all inclusive, so that the comprehensive sustainable development of the destination can be performed.
