Volume: 15  Number: 4  Page: 369–389  doi:10.2167/jost659.0

Research article

Concepts and Tools for Comprehensive Sustainability Assessments for Tourism Destinations: A Comparative Review

Karin Schianetza, Lydia Kavanaghb and David Lockingtonc aDepartment of Environmental Engineering, University of Queensland, Australia, bAdvanced Wastewater Management Centre, University of Queensland, Australia and cDepartment of Environmental Engineering, University of Queensland, Australia

This paper reviews a wide range of tools for comprehensive sustainability assessments at whole tourism destinations, covering sociocultural, economic and environmental issues. It considers their strengths, weaknesses and site-specific applicability. It is intended to facilitate their selection (and combination where necessary). Tools covered include Sustainability Indicators, Environmental Impact Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Audits, Ecological Footprints, Multi-Criteria Analysis and Adaptive Environmental Assessment. Guidelines for evaluating their suitability for specific sites and situations are given as well as examples of their use.

Keywords: assessment tools, sustainability, tourism destinations

Copyright © 2007 K. Schianetz et al.

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