Integrating Sustainability in Policy

Abstract

This chapter examines tourism policy processes in Chile in reference to sustainability, and the role of the government and governance in the delivery of sustainable practices in this country. There is a gap in the research examining national governance structures in the development and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, despite the importance and the high policy priority given to this task by the United Nations Environment Program and United Nations World Tourism Organization. Study data was collected in three stages: document and website analysis, interviews, and a semi-structured online questionnaire with key industry stakeholders. The findings indicate that the concept of sustainability appears to be at an embryonic stage in Chile, and that emerging policies seem to be leading the way in terms of sustainable development. Government policy and governance structures are still at the formulation stage and threats to this process are also highlighted.

Citation

Tapia Mella, E. and Zahra, A. (2012), "Integrating Sustainability in Policy", Fayos-solà, E. (Ed.) Knowledge Management in Tourism: Policy and Governance Applications (Bridging Tourism Theory and Practice, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 175-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-1443(2012)0000004012