Sustainability and regional development: the case of the tourism sector in Southern Europe

The present work argues that sustainable tourism is essential to the long-term survival of the tourism
industry in Europe. Sustainable tourism may be regarded as a means of redressing economic imbalances
between European regions and nations without producing adverse environmental, social and cultural
effects on host communities. Conflicts between the development of a local economy and the interests
of ‘outside’ investors from elsewhere among EU member nations must be resolved in the best
interests of the local people and the environment. The degree to which profits are expropriated from a
local area or region is a particular concern. The transnational character of tourism businesses makes
necessary a European-wide policy, where the quality of life and nature’s conservation will obtain a premortial
place.