Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries worldwide. With the forecast for exponential increases in both domestic and international travel there is an increasing awareness among individual travelers, business operators, and public policy managers, of the need to more effectively protect and manage our precious tourism resources. Every sector of the tourism industry today is embracing sustainable practices in an effort to save money, increase profits, or simply because it is in the best interests of the local, national and world environment.
Such practices could include management and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of solid waste and water consumption, wastewater management, conservation and management of energy, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, land use planning and management, air quality protection, preservation of social norms and cultures and provision of economic benefits to local and indigenous communities, responsible purchasing and training and education in sustainability for employees and clients.
Due not only to the growth of tourism but also the specialized needs for trained personnel with greater knowledge in science and business, particularly in entrepreneurship, careers in sustainable tourism are fast emerging. Demand is increasing for graduates of tourism programs with specialized knowledge and training in climate, emissions reduction, renewable energy, water, culture, heritage, and natural resources management.
