Tourism and Environment Relationships under The Three Theoritical Discourse
We can explore the relationships between tourism and environment with these three theories approach: Instutional, Market and Ethical.
Instutional Theory
Institutional theory explores how organizations interact with their environment and how these interactions shape their structures and behaviors. It applies various pressures on organizations:
1. Regulatory Pressures: For instance, companies conforming to environmental laws.
2. Normative Pressures: Social expectations and norms.
3. Cognitive Pressures: Shared understandings and beliefs.
In the context of tourism in Turkey and Europe, institutional theory examines how institutions (like governments and international bodies) and regulations influence and manage the environmental impacts of tourism activities.
Institutional Structures and Tourism: Tourism is a vital sector in both Turkey and Europe, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. However, this growth poses challenges to environmental sustainability. For example, increased tourism facilities along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and Europe’s coastal areas can negatively impact coastal ecosystems and marine life.
Environmental Regulations and Policies: In Turkey and Europe, environmental regulations are crucial in mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism. The European Union sets environmental standards, while Turkey has national environmental legislation. For instance, environmental impact assessments are mandatory for constructing and operating tourist facilities in Turkey.
Local Collaborations and Initiatives: Local communities, businesses, and governments in Turkey and Europe collaborate to develop sustainable tourism projects.
Governance and Participation: In UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey and Europe, tourism management involves participation from local communities and civil society. For instance, in places like Safranbolu in Turkey, educating and raising awareness among locals play a critical role in developing sustainable tourism practices.
By effectively utilizing institutional structures, environmental regulations, local collaborations, and participatory governance, tourism activities can be aligned with the preservation of natural and cultural assets.
Market Theory
Market theory typically analyzes the relationship between tourism and the environment from an economic perspective. According to this theory, the link between tourism activities and environmental impacts is often determined by market demands, supply, and economic growth objectives. The tourism sector tends to commercialize natural resources and environmental areas, sometimes overshadowing environmental conservation efforts under the influence of market dynamics and economic gains.
Taking Turkey as an example: In Antalya, the tourism sector is characterized by rapid hotel constructions, infrastructure projects, and large-scale tourist facilities. The construction and operation of these facilities can lead to environmental effects such as coastal erosion, depletion of water resources, and destruction of natural habitats. According to Market Theory, these impacts are often justified in the pursuit of economic growth and increasing tourism revenues.
Another example is Bergama (Pergamon), known for its historical and cultural richness in the Izmir province of Turkey. It features ancient structures and areas listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bergama has transformed its historical and cultural sites into tourist attractions to boost tourism revenues. However, this transformation has created various environmental and social impacts:
Developing Bergama’s ancient ruins as tourist attractions has required significant investments in their preservation and restoration. However, increased tourist activities, visitor influx, and infrastructure needs may lead to overuse and degradation of historical sites. Infrastructure projects in Bergama to support tourism (like new roads, hotels, restaurants, etc.) have also brought environmental impacts.
Market Theory, while evaluating the relationship between tourism and the environment from an economic viewpoint, often overlooks the environmental impacts of tourism activities. Examples from Antalya and Bergama illustrate how economic growth and tourism revenue goals can result in excessive use of environmental resources and damage to natural habitats.
Understanding tourism and environmental relationships through Market Theory can help us grasp the balance between economic growth and conservation of natural resources. However, this theory has its limitations; a more comprehensive and balanced approach is necessary for environmental protection and sustainable tourism practices. In this context, strategies such as innovation, promotion of green technologies, and involvement of local communities are crucial to reduce the environmental impacts of tourism.
Ethical
Ethical theories provide different perspectives when evaluating the relationship between tourism and the environment. Utilitarianism assesses the environmental impacts of tourism based on the overall happiness or benefit to society. This approach aims to balance the economic gains of tourism with its environmental harms. It examines whether tourism activities respect local cultural and ethical norms; for instance, whether tourists in a region show respect for local cultural values is crucial.
Virtue ethics argues that tourism should promote virtuous behaviors like sustainability and environmental conservation. This approach suggests that tourism should collaborate with local communities and prioritize the protection of natural resources.
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness or benefit. In tourism, it looks at whether activities provide maximum benefit to all stakeholders (tourists, locals, and the environment).
Balloon tours in Cappadocia provide significant economic benefits but sustainable tourism practices are important to minimize environmental damage. For example, organizing tours using eco-friendly materials and educating locals can reduce negative impacts.
In Dubai, economic gains from tourism have sometimes disregarded local cultural and religious values. Tourists wearing bikinis or consuming alcohol, which are usually against Sharia laws, may disrespect local cultural values. While tourists should respect local culture and laws, economic interests have often overshadowed ethical values.
Virtue ethics emphasizes the development of moral character and virtues. In tourism, it examines whether activities promote virtuous behaviors.
Ecotourism practices in Fethiye promote virtues like sustainability and respect for the environment. For instance, tourists joining nature walks with local guides allow them to explore the region’s natural beauty without harming the environment.
On the other hand, child labor is prevalent in countries like India and Vietnam. Child laborers are often deprived of education rights and work in hazardous conditions for low wages. Ethically, child labor has the potential to harm children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Despite international labor rights standards and child rights conventions banning child labor, its persistence raises ethical concerns.
Examining tourism’s relationship with the environment and culture through ethical theories makes it more understandable and manageable. Utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics offer important guidance in evaluating and improving tourism practices. Examples from Turkey and Dubai demonstrate how these theories can be applied practically. These approaches help tourism maximize economic benefits while fulfilling environmental and cultural responsibilities.
Kubilay TOKBAY
