MBA6303 Sustainable Tourism Operations
Introduction
This is a Group assessment.
This assessment is to be completed in team of minimum of 2 students and maximum 4 students. A group participation form, which is available in LMS, needs to be completed, signed by all group members and submitted till week 4. Once submitted, the teams will remain fixed and no member additions or deletions will be allowed unless by approval of your unit facilitator/lecturer.
The purpose of this group assessment is to develop a well-analysed and well-researched report. The students will be asked to work together in project teams to evaluate sustainable tourism practices and initiatives within a specific situation using the appropriate theoretical concepts, tools and frameworks. This will include the analysis of appropriate client and company. You are required to set up an innovative and entrepreneurial tourist or hospitality destination in your country of choice using supporting research from Assignment 2 where relevant.
All submissions are to be submitted through Turnitin. Drop-boxes linked to Turnitin will be set up in Moodle. Assessments not submitted through these drop- boxes will not be considered.
Your document should be a single word or pdf document containing your report.
Your report must include:
• Title Page: The title of the assessment, your group name and name and student ID for each of the students within the group.
• Executive Summary
• Table of Content
• Introduction: A statement of the purpose for your report and a brief outline of project (one or two paragraphs).
• Body of Report: Describe the tasks you performed as mentioned in the task.
• Findings and Recommendations
• Conclusion: A summary of the points you have made in the body of the paper. The conclusion should not introduce any ‘new’ material that was not discussed in the body of the paper. (One or two paragraphs)
• References: A list of sources used in your text. They should be listed alphabetically by (first) author’s family name. You are required to have at least 15 scholarly references.
• The footer must include your name, student ID, and page number.
This report intends to monitor the introduction of sustainable tourism strategies within Tasmania in order to highlight the collaborative initiatives betwixt the Eco Tourism Australia, Tourism Board of Tasmania, and engagement of Griffith Institute for Tourism. The primary theme of this analysis is sustainable tourism that can be characterized by its prominence towards socio-cultural integrity, preservation of environment, and other economic advantages. Through effective examination of these partnerships, initiatives, and entities, it can be understood how entrepreneurial ecosystems can be inculcated to assist and maximize sustainable tourism throughout the region. Our examination will separate the strategies, roles, and influence of these organizations so that significant theoretical frameworks and evaluation tools can be employed to account for their contributions to the tourism sector of Tasmania. The report’s framework is framed in a way that can offer a detailed insight of meaning of sustainable tourism and its significance, and exploration of tourism’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Subsequent initiatives can reflect a detailed evaluation of the involved organizations, evaluate their efforts, and inculcate all findings into suitable recommendations.
Sustainable tourism has become a crucial measure within the tourism and travel industry, aiming at assuring long-term integrity and viability throughout all destinations (Thananusak & Suriyankietkaew 2023). This measure towards tourism development emphasizes the balance betwixt social responsibility, environment protection, and economic health so that the tourism does not only survive but also functions in a manner that is respectful towards local groups, cultural heritage, and natural resources. The relevance of sustainable tourism aims at catering to the issues posed by traditional practices of tourism that results in cultural dilution, environmental degradation, and financial disparity (Yu et al., 2020).
The objectives of sustainable tourism are multi-dimensional that encompasses the preservation of environment, provision of socio-economic advantages to host population groups, safeguard of cultural heritage, and assurance of superior quality visitor experiences. Such objectives line up with the UNWTO’s (United Nations World Tourism Organization) principles that guide for sustainable tourism as a way to attain sustainable development objectives for MBA assignment expert.
Theoretical principles that reflect sustainable tourism comprise of the TBL (Triple Bottom Line) approach that asserts the requirement for balancing social, environmental, and financial outcomes. Another significant principle is the concept of carrying capacity which focuses on ascertaining the maximum visitors that a destination can inculcate without creating unwanted variations to the social structures, environment, and level of visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, the principle of stakeholder theory also assists in recognizing the stakeholders engaged in development of tourism and their respective interests so that the governance and dynamics of sustainable tourism can be understood (Alam et al., 2023).
Other theoretical principles for sustainable tourism measures are mainly through the involvement of the principles in the management and planning procedures that should help to ensure that it is ecologically sensitive, equitability, and financial viability. The actions could entail the promotion of eco-friendly transportation and accommodation, involvement in the community-based framework that could assist the domestic population, and aid to local businesses at large. However, awareness and education in the industry and among tourists are important for the achievement of good promotion of sustainable culture within the tourism sector.
The entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism reflect a zestful framework where entrepreneurship and innovation play crucial roles in enhancing development of sustainable tourism. This will further enhance the relevance to frame a supportive environment that is able to facilitate entrepreneurial ventures and innovative ideas towards the development of competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism destinations. An entrepreneurial ecosystem in tourism comprises of several stakeholders like government entities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other communities that collectively function to create an innovative culture within the tourism industry.
Innovation in the tourism industry can also obtain several forms that can vary from technological improvements enhancing operational effectiveness to novel business frameworks that emphasizes social responsibility and environmental preservation. On the other hand, entrepreneurship is characterized by management of such innovative businesses by teams or people who view and grab the opportunities that can create value for the entire society.
Primary measures within the framework of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism are: -
a.Creation of value- The significance of entrepreneurship lies in making value not only in financial terms but also in environmental or social terms. Entrepreneurs of sustainable tourism aims at creating values that can respect domestic cultures, conserve nature, and offer relevant experiences to the tourists.
b.Innovation ecosystems- This means the network of connections betwixt actors such as policy makers, investors, firms, etc., who can influence the process of innovation within a specific geography or sector. In the tourism context, this consists of collaboration across various sectors to implement sustainable tourism approaches.
c.Adaptability and resilience- Entrepreneurial ecosystems must be adaptive and resilient to external variations like environmental crisis, financial fluctuations, or variations in customer preferences. Moreover, flexibility assists in regular evolution of sustainable tourism practices so that emerging challenges can be addressed.
d.Engagement of stakeholders- Efficient entrepreneurial ecosystems in the tourism industry necessitate proper involvement of all stakeholders like government bodies, local groups, investors, and tourists on a whole. Further, involvement of diverse bodies also ensures that implementation and development of tourism projects are effective and beneficial to everyone.
The evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism asserts the interconnectedness betwixt entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. Moreover, by creating a surrounding that assists in creative thinking, destinations can be attained that facilitates in benefitting the local groups, environment, and the economy on a whole.
The Tourism Board of Tasmania is a vital organization that helps in shaping the tourism future in Tasmania with a clear vision towards the sustainable practices. It is an island state illustrious for cultural heritage as well as rich landscapes providing an encounter of unique tourism that helps in attracting different visitors all throughout the world (Denny et al., 2019). The Board role is multi-dimensional as it enables development, education of policy and marketing in assuring that Tasmania remains a sustainable as well as competitive destination for the visitors.
One major goal of the Board is in balancing the tourism development in link with the environment conservation. This contains measures that aims at reduction of the ecological footprint of the tourism matters hence safeguarding the Tasmania habitats and promotes the conservation initiatives (Pocock et al., 2024). Another major goal is to improve the financial and social advantages of tourism especially for the local groups. The Board aids local businesses and motivates the development of such tourism experiences that can highlight the cultural heritage and domestic products of Tasmania. This framework not only enhances the experiences of visitors but also contributes to the financial stability of the region, thereby creating opportunities and jobs for the local groups.
In order to attain these goals, the Board has also implemented various initiatives:
a.Awareness and education- Through online resources, seminars, and workshops, the Tourism Board of Tasmania advocates all stakeholders about the relevance of sustainable tourism approaches and how to adopt them properly.
b.Sustainable experiences of marketing- The Board primarily markets Tasmania as a sustainable destination for tourism so that the eco-tourism experiences and attractions can be highlighted throughout the world (Pocock et al., 2024).
c.Sustainable infrastructure development- Major investments in sustainable infrastructure like renewable energy sources and eco-friendly accommodations are encouraged to minimize the environmental influence of tourism.
d.Collaboration with various indigenous groups- Identifying the relevance of cultural sustainability, the Board functions with various indigenous groups so that tourism experiences of Tasmania can be developed.
e.Certification programs- The Board motivates various tourism operators to actively indulge in eco-certification initiatives that can identify businesses complying with maximum standards of sustainability and environmental management.
By focusing on sustainability, the Board not only protects the cultural and natural assets of Tasmania’s Island but also ensure that tourism remains a source of pride and prosperity for the locals.
Eco Tourism Australia is a not-for-profit organization established to encourage sustainable practices within the tourism industry (Eco Tourism Australia 2024). It stands as a leading body in the certification of eco-tourism operations, playing a crucial role in promoting environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and positive community outcomes through tourism (Alberte et al., 2022). The mission of the company revolves around endorsement of tourism as a tool for conservation as well as sustainable development hence leading to a stronger and environmentally conscious tourism industry in Australia.
At the core of Eco Tourism industry Australia's endeavors are its certificate programs, intended to perceive and uphold the travel industry administrators who focus on elevated requirements of biological sustainability, management of natural areas, and quality eco-tourism industry experiences (Eco Tourism Australia 2024).
These projects include:
1.Eco Certification Program: This lead program is focused on nature-based travel industry operators who convey interpretative and instructive encounters. It surveys organizations given their ecological practices, translation and education, commitment to protection, and local area commitment. Certification levels range from the Nature tourism industry and ecotourism, to Cutting edge Ecotourism, mirroring the level of sustainability and obligation to best practice ecological management (Eco Tourism Australia 2024).
2.Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certification: it stresses upon cultural tourism operators, the program of ROC influences the business to function in a manner that respect as well as reinforce culture heritage of the indigenous. It stress upon authentic projection, cultural accuracy and proper engagement with the communities of the indigenous (Castro-Spila et al., 2018).
3.Climate Action Certification: This program is intended for travel industry organizations hoping to diminish their carbon impression and add to the battle against environmental change. It gives devices and assets to estimate, decrease, and counterbalance fossil fuel byproducts related to their tasks.
4.Green Travel Leaders: Perceiving a well-established obligation to sustainability, this program recognizes organizations that have been Eco Certified for a long time or more, exhibiting their continuous devotion to sustainability the travel industry rehearses.
The influence of Eco Tourism Australia certification program goes far ahead of the individual businesses. Through setting standards for sustainability, the organization influences the wider tourism industry in adopting the eco-friendly practices (Dobrea et al., 2023). This not only aids in conserving the unique natural resources of Australia as well as cultural heritage but also increases the experience of the visitor that ensures the tourists have meaningful, engaging as well as responsible links with the nature and the society as whole.
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) appears as a leadership when it comes to sustainable tourism research as well as policy establishment (GIFT 2024). The contribution have a major influence on the sustainable tourism practices mainly in region like Tasmania where the soft balance between development of tourism and conservation of environment is huge. The collaborative impact of the GIFT with the local stakeholders comprising the government bodies, tourism companies and community groups have led to the establishment as well as implementation of sustainable tourism plans that are innovative as well as effective (GIFT 2024)
Coming to Tasmania, GIFT has played a dominant role in different main areas:
1.Research and Analysis: GIFT conducts far-reaching research on different parts of the sustainable travel industry, including guest influences, protection finance, and the adequacy of eco-affirmation programs. This examination gives a strong proof base to strategy improvement and vital preparation, assisting with ensuring that travel industry development in Tasmania is reasonable and helpful to both the environment and the society as a whole
2.Policy Development: Utilizing its research discoveries, GIFT works intimately with the Tourism Board of Tasmania and different partners to foster arrangements that advance sustainable travel industry practices (Zulvianti et al., 2023). These arrangements center around limiting the environmental impression of the travel industry exercises, upgrading the financial advantages of the travel industry for neighborhood networks, and safeguarding Tasmania's social legacy.
3.Capacity Building: GIFT is associated with capacity building drives pointed toward upgrading the sustainability abilities and information on the travel industry administrators and other industry partners in Tasmania. Through workshops, classes, and preparation programs, GIFT shares the most recent examination discoveries and best practices in managing the travel industry, assisting with increasing industry expectations and advancing a culture of sustainability (Zulvianti et al., 2023).
4.Sustainable Tourism Innovation: Innovations that actively encourage sustainable tourism, in new business models, technologies, or practices that might engender more sustainable impacts of tourism; for instance, entrepreneurship in eco-tourism by encouraging and supporting projects to use digital technologies that allow the reduction of environmental impact from tourism operations.
5.Community Engagement and Collaboration: In an effort of participation by all its members within sustainable tourism, GIFT has opened discussion and collaboration that may facilitate community involvement in tourism development. The actions work for making tourism development in Tasmania meets the need for inclusive, just, community-oriented economic development.
From its contribution, the Griffith Institute for Tourism has heavily enshrined itself as one of the significant entities in shaping the future of sustainable tourism in Tasmania. GIFT makes it clear that Tasmania remains one of the best example of sustainable tourism establishment with the safeguard of the natural environment followed by cultural heritage and community engagement
These three organizations—the Tourism Board of Tasmania, Eco Tourism Australia, and Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT)—combine to provide a very interesting case study for examining in-depth the elements and effectiveness of such multi-partner organizations in taking forward the cause of the sustainable travel industry. The examination of this cooperation through inventive structures gives knowledge that shows how these components follow up on one another to enhance viable practices within the travel industry segment of Tasmania. In all these forms of organizations and their interactions, Stakeholder Theory is important to understand the close connection among these entities. The view holds that organizational success, most importantly in endeavors relating to sustainability, should be an outcome reflecting the thoughts of all parties interested and a balance between the interests (Csikosova et al., 2020). In light of this partnership, each party represents: Eco Tourism Australia for the interest of natural sustainability and accreditation; the Tasmanian Tourism Leading body regarding the goal and financial action improvement; and GIFT, to investigate, plan, and advance learning. The collaboration of these two organizations reflects stakeholder-oriented policy, where the contributions of each element are highly appreciated and adopted into a solid system aimed at the achievement of sustainable tourism development. This means that the framework used in the partnership is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), responsible for ensuring it provides real focus based on balancing the environment, economy, and social dimensions (Nogueira et al., 2023)
The nucleus of the cooperation dynamics is imitated by the Triple Helix model: the relationship between university, industry, and government (Figueiredo et al., 2023). Academia: GIFT represents academia as a source of research and evidence-based advice. Government: The point of view from the government, in this case, would be policy implementation and strategy, by the Tourism Board of Tasmania. Industry: Eco Tourism Australia is an industry representative; it provides standards and certification of business. It fosters innovation and sustainability practices through academic insights, regulatory support, and active industry participation. These model further highlights how cross-sectoral collaboration could yield findings that provided innovative solutions to some of the complex challenges that are part of sustainable tourism development. Social Network Theory will offer another viewpoint that focuses on relationships and networks that form among these entities. It postulates that the strength and quality of those relations may have a profound influence on the success of the effort. It is in formal relationships, partners, and informal networks of this kind sharing knowledge, resources, best practices to make sure that sustainable tourism is approached more cohesively and holistically (Sultan 2020). It enhances connectedness to survive from extrinsic changes and threats.
While concluding, evaluating the collaboration between the Tasmania Tourism board, Eco Tourism and GIFT through the theoretical structure projects a different and effective mechanism in the promotion of sustainable tourism as well as leveraging network, this partnership projects a strategic model that helps in the attainment of sustainability goals in the domain of the tourism sector (Csikosova et al., 2020).
The evaluation of the interconnected approaches betwixt the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), Tourism Board of Tasmania, and Eco Tourism Australia depicts various crucial insights and requirements for development of sustainable tourism in Tasmania.
Firstly, the interconnected initiatives reflect the relevance of multi-stakeholder relations in the evolution of sustainable tourism measures. Further, by collective bringing of industrial bodies, government agencies, investors, non-profit organizations, etc., the collaboration offers a significant approach towards accounting for the complicated challenges of sustainability. Secondly, the evaluation emphasizes the role of eco-certification programs like those provided by the Eco Tourism Australia, in order to develop sustainable practices of tourism. Such programs offer a standardized approach for assessing and certifying tourism operators on the basis of their social, environmental, and financial performance. Moreover, by motivating businesses to comply with higher standards of sustainability, such certification programs can assist in raising industry benchmarks and thereafter, build a culture of regular improvement.
Furthermore, the findings shed light on the relevance of research in the evolution of sustainable tourism approaches. The contribution of GIFT in undertaking of research, evaluation of data and offering policy recommendations emphasize the significance of informed decision-making towards sustainable tourism measures. Through integration of academic research with implementation of practical policies, the collaboration makes sure that interventions are stranded in evidence and framed to consider particular issues encountered by the tourism sector.
Overall, the collaborative approaches betwixt the bodies assist in illustrating a comprehensive and proactive tactic towards developing sustainable tourism in Tasmania. Moreover, by initiating certification programs, partnerships, and research policies, the said collaboration builds a foundation for responsible, resilient, and surviving tourism industry so that both the local communities and environment can be benefitted on a whole.
For enhancing the Tasmania sustainable tourism through entrepreneurship, different strategic recommendations can be provided:
1. Support for Eco-Entrepreneurship: Providing funding as well as program of mentorship which are particularly made for the eco-entrepreneurs who vouch to develop venture sof sustainable tourism. This back up can help in fostering innovation as well as creativity in designing the eco-friendly tourism experiences and services
2. Promotion of Sustainable Tourism Clusters: Facilitate the formation of sustainable tourism clusters or networks, bringing together eco-friendly businesses, local communities, and government agencies. Such clusters enables collaboration, sharing of knowledge and resource pooling for amplifying the influence of sustainable tourism initiatives
3. Integration of Sustainable Tourism in Education: Education and sustainable tourism could be merged with the help of adding the subject of sustainable tourism to the course of education right up to vocational training and even to the level of university courses. Training the next generation of professionals in tourism sustainability may ensure these professionals eventually take up responsible tourism practices..
4. Incentives for Green Innovation: Provide incentives, including tax breaks, or grants that will help firms to engage in innovative approaches towards sustainability in tourism. It will work to encourage businesses' competitiveness and investment in green technologies, renewable energy, and resource-efficient practices, thus bringing positive environmental outcomes.
5. Community Engagement and Empowerment: Involvement of local community members in designing and managing the various initiatives of tourism for sustainability. Community empowerment and decision-making along with direct benefits for social cohesion and support for preserving their culture will ensure long-term viability in the activities related to tourism. If such recommendations are put in place, then it is without a doubt that Tasmania will develop an enabling environment for sustainable tourism entrepreneurship that translates to economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being for both the present and future generations.
So, the Tourism Board of Tasmania together with Eco Tourism Australia, in collaboration with the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), makes an advance towards setting the ground really seriously for sustainable tourism in Tasmania. Several findings from our study point out the need to highlight sustainable tourism initiatives through multi-stakeholder partnerships, certification programs, and evidence-based policy formulations. The partnership comprises partnerships, certification programs, and research-driven policies. It sets a benchmark toward a strong, responsible, and prosperous tourism industry for Tasmania. These practices, if integrated into sustainable tourism, secure not only the natural and cultural legacy of Tasmania but also guarantee that tourism activities will be maintained over time. Additionally, support for eco-entrepreneurship can come in the forms of sustainable tourism clusters and green innovation incentives, unlocking a totally new wave of sustainable tourism entrepreneurship potential in the area, resulting in economic and environmental flourishing.
The recommendations proposed herein delineate strategic paths to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in Tasmania, with an emphasis on eco-entrepreneurship, community engagement, education, and innovation. These recommendations could provide much support to the tourism sector of Tasmania to pay back as a sense of responsibility toward responsible tourism, economic development, and life quality enhancement for the local people. Among these would be collaborative initiatives and recommendations outlined in this paper that, if implemented, would position Tasmania's tourism sector towards being a best-practice model of sustainability and resilience. The sustainability project will put Tasmania in the world map as a leader in sustainable tourism and possibly most importantly as a brand that draws conscientious travelers in—travelers that worry if the places they decide to visit will be able to survive down through the ages.
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