It is now widely agreed that the climate is changing, global resources are diminishing and biodiversity is suffering. Developing countries – many of them considered by the World Tourism Organization to be ”Top Emerging Tourism Destinations” (UNWTO, 2009) – are already suffering the full frontal effect of environmental degradation. The challenge for developing countries is a triple-edged sword, how can economic prosperity be achieved without the perpetual depletion of nature’s reserves, the destruction of rural habitat and the dislocation of traditional societies? Many emerging nations are looking increasingly to the tourism industry as the motor for economic development, with hospitality businesses at the forefront.

This book uses twenty-five case studies to demonstrate how it is possible to create income and stimulate regional socio-economic development by using sustainable hospitality and tourism attractions. These case studies focus on issues such as the protection of indigenous cultures as a source of touristic curiosity; the preservation of the environment and the protection of endangered species – such as the plight of turtles in Sri Lanka or butterflies in Costa Rica to encourage tourism. Some cases cover government supported projects, for example, the green parks venture and regional tourism development in the Philippines, an archaeological park initiative in Honduras and the diversity of nature tourism in St. Vincent.

Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism as Motors for Development is designed to give students, academics and practitioners a guide for best practices of sustainable hospitality operations in developing countries. Based on case studies, it provides a road map of how to achieve the goals of sustainability giving benchmark examples. The book not only taps into a contemporary business subject, but aims to provide readers with a better understanding of how sustainable theories can be put into practice in hospitality and tourism industries in developing countries.