Green Innovation in Tourism for Economic Sustainability

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The tourism sector has undoubtedly become one of the globe’s foremost drivers of economic development, sustainability and progress. This is because its rate of growth, links to other economic sectors as well as dependence on a relatively unblemished natural environment puts it into an inimitable position from an economic sustainability and development perspective. In the same breath, tourism has been singled out as one of the key sectors that can play a leading role in the world’s transition to an inclusive green economy characterized by low carbon release. Strategic shifts in tourism practices have the potential of yielding major benefits capable of stimulating change towards better sustainability not only in the tourism industry but in other sectors as well. One key shift is the adoption of green innovation. The World Tourism Organization believes that “green innovation in tourism can trigger major economic, social and environmental benefits” (UNWTO, 2012, p. 1). This paper discusses how the adoption of green innovation in the tourism sector can lead to economic sustainability. It is essentially an extension to the UNWTO’s quote.

Green Innovation for Economic Sustainability

The world has come to bear with the effects of climate change in the past few years. This has been attributed to the release of greenhouse gases such carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Many observers agree that the burning of fossil fuels such as coal has been the biggest contributor of these gases. However, the release of these gases can be reduced considerably if renewable energy sources can be adopted to reduce dependence on coal for power generation. Energy generated from solar power, wind and tides is extremely green. Furthermore, they have been foun...

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