Abstract
The tourism industry relies on the exploitation of resources, the environment, and often communities and cultures as well. Whereas Michigan’s tourism industry is likely to continue growing into the foreseeable future, industry stakeholders must work to guarantee the viability of tourism as the industry grows. This research includes a compilation of policy, planning, and strategy recommendations to incorporate sustainability into the Michigan tourism industry. Specifically, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the triple bottom line are identified as ideal frameworks through which tourism planning and policy should flow. Suggestions for first steps include adopting an industry-standard definition of sustainability, a national rating system to benchmark stakeholder organizations and businesses, and the use of certification bodies to verify sustainable practices. Research and theories are drawn from think tanks and experts in tourism policy and planning, ecotourism, and sustainability. The resulting recommendations include: endorsing the SDGs and the triple bottom line as a framework by which to develop a sustainable tourism industry; administering stakeholder and community engagement throughout the processes of creating and implementing a sustainable tourism plan; considering sustainable tourism models and strategies; and conducting regular evaluation and assessment of the statewide plan and the impacts of the industry. The creation of a plan with these recommendations will appropriately address the problems of exploitation, growth, and development resulting from tourism in Michigan.
Recommended Citation
Chatterley, Sarah R.
(2020)
"Tourism Policy and Planning in Michigan: Why Adding Sustainability is Important,"
SPNHA Review: Vol. 16:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/spnhareview/vol16/iss1/4