BTM5IRM Impact of Eco-Friendly Practices on Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica Assignment Sample

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Sustainable tourism implies for the tourism that consider current as well as future economical, environmental and social impact while addressing the needs of visitors (Okot, Quiros and Mejía, 2022). The main responsibility within sustainable tourism includes protection of the natural resources, conserving cultural heritage, promoting socio-economic advantage and brining local communities as well as tourist together for the mutual benefits. Eco-friendly practices emphasise on undertaking the tourism activities that did not create negative impact on the earth and environment. It is crucial to promote eco friendly practices as it helps in preserving the natural resources and also helps in fostering mutual community engagement & cultural understanding. Moreover, eco-tourism also aims at promoting local product and services which provides local public with the suitable source of income. Further, these activities support in generating new job opportunities for the indigenous community which aids in overcoming the poverty related challenges. Costa Rica is the country in North America which shares border with Caribbean Sea in North and Pacific Ocean in South. Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of country and it is contributing over 12.5% towards GDP. In the year of 2023, over 2.4 million international tourists visited Costa Rica which is 74% higher than previous year (Description of Costa Rica, 2024). The current report will describe the influence of eco-friendly practices in promoting sustainable tourism development within Costa Rica.

1.2 Rationale/Problem statement

The current report is based on investigating the impact of eco-friendly practices on sustainable development within Costa Rica. It has been identified that there is an increasing preference on tourism which creates negative impact on the social, environmental and cultural aspects of the country (Dimitrijevic, Silic and Silic, 2022). In the current times, deforestation has been initiated with the aim of constructing new hotels, roads and resort to promote tourism which adversely impacts the natural resources. This creates an urgency to promote eco-friendly practices which ultimately results into the development of sustainable tourism. Therefore, thematic data analysis will be used to shed light on the role of eco friendly practices in encouraging the sustainable tourism development.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Theoretical and conceptual Frameworks on the research

2.1.1. Theoretical Framework

In the context of identifying the role of eco-friendly practices in sustainable tourism development 5 P’s theory, Triple bottom line theory and Tourism Area life Cycle (TALC) theory of sustainable tourism has been used. 5 P’s theory of sustainable development defines all the crucial aspects which should be managed for developing sustainable tourism. This theory stated that tourism activities should be initiated which aids in managing prosperity, planet, people, and peace and plants (5 P’s of sustainable tourism, 2023). These will ultimately support in reducing negative impact on society, community and environment which promote sustainable tourism (Gomes et al, 2024). Further, According to triple bottom line theory equal concentration should be paid on profit, society and environment which help in overall development of country.

 This theory defines various measures by which country could manage its economic growth, social welfare and environment quality that helps in attaining the sustainable goals effectually. It is the most crucial theory as it guides country to initiate actions which eventually supports in enhancing the economic position (Triple bottom theory, 2023). Adequately fulfilling social and environmental responsibility will help in creating positive image in the mind of tourist which further leads high profitability (Okoye et al, 2024). Moreover, TALC theory of tourism will be used which contributes towards defining various eco- friendly practices that should be incorporated at each stage of destination life cycle for attaining the goal of sustainable tourism (TALC theory of sustainable tourism, 2024). Further, this theory aims at covering all the challenges and issue that faced in the tourism development. This timely identification of issue assists in determining all the potential strategies by which such obstacle should be overcome and ensures achievement of the goals & objectives.

2.1.2. Conceptual Framework

The current study includes two crucial concepts that are sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. Sustainable tourism development is directly associated with the three crucial concepts which include society & community welfare, environment protection and economic growth (Park and Kang, 2022). All the three concepts could not be achieved without the help of eco-friendly practices and activities. These practices include reducing wastages and pollution, promoting local product, preserving local culture which helps in influencing the large number of tourist. Moreover, eco-friendly practices help in managing the overall attraction of the destination which supports in attracting new tourist that contributes towards overall economic development of the country (Yadegaridehkordi et al, 2021). Along with this, environment could be preserved by reducing wastages; conserving water and eliminating pollution that ultimately helps in attaining the sustainability goals. Beside this, promotion of local shops helps in increasing community engagement in tourism which facilitates better economic growth.

2.2 Key concept, Theories and studies

2.2.1 Concept of eco-friendly practices and its significances

According to the view point of Castilho, Fuinhas and Marques (2021) eco-friendly refers to process of adopting strategies and activities which prioritise the well-being of the planet and all its resources. This includes promoting the economic growth without degrading the natural resources and environment. This practice includes conserving water and energy, embracing the renewable resources, minimizing impact on eco system which promotes healthier and sustainable future. On the other hand, Pérez Brito, Campos and Río-Herrera (2024) claimed that eco-friendly practices within the tourism refers to making sustainable and responsible travel choices which respect as well as preserve the cultural heritage, natural environment and promoting advantage for the local communities. It is the most crucial activity as it aids in safeguarding the natural resources for the current and future generation which contributes towards the sustainable development.

Mishra and Kumar (2024) explicated that eco-friendly practices support in providing the huge amount of economic benefit for the country which ultimately helps in overall development. With the help of eco-friendly practices, country is able to safeguard its environment, natural resources and wildlife which supports in attracting the larger number of tourist. This will result into gaining the huge amount of monetary benefits that lead overall development and growth of the country. For example: Costa Rica is the world’s leading country which promotes eco-friendly tourism practices that make focus on preserving the huge variety of flora, fauna, biodiversity and beaches. Due to this reason there is 74% growth in the number of tourist within Costa Rica that eventually contributing over 802 million pound in the country’s GDP (Number of tourist in Costa Rica, 2024).

However, Postupna, Husarov and Liashenko (2024) stated that eco tourism requires huge amount of investment and funding which may impact on the overall economic position of the country. If the country has invested inaccurate amount towards eco tourism than it create issue in allocating accurate funds in other sectors that could stop growth & development of the country. For example: Costa Rica has invested over 55 million pound for eco-tourism which impacts the economic position of the country (Investment of Costa Rica towards Eco-tourism, 2024). Based on the view point of Kumar et al, (2023), it has been explicated that eco-tourism promotes conservations of scarce resources which contributes in the sustainable development. This conservation also helps in providing adequate resources to the future generation which result into promotion of the overall growth of the country. For example: Low land Forest of Costa Rica were at high risk of deforestation but due to eco tourism local lodge owner has invested in forested land and undertaken conservation effort for maintaining the forest (Low land forests of Costa Rica, 2023).

Along with this, Karimov et al, (2024) stated that eco-tourism supports the creation of jobs which ultimately enhances the financial position of the local people. Eco–friendly practices promote local community and product of small shops which helps in enhancing their profits. Moreover, eco-tourism also results in increasing guidance job for conserving the resources which helps in reducing the unemployment rate and thereby ensures overall welfare of the community. For Example: Conservation International in Costa Rica is involved towards drafting policies and initiating action for safeguarding the resources. This organization provides employment opportunity to over 3000 people who work towards preserving the resources that ultimately result into enhancement of their profitability position (Conservation International of Costa Rica, 2023). In accordance with Khan et al, (2024) eco-tourism helps in creating educational awareness among the local and international tourist which ensures the protection of resources. Tourist who encounter eco-friendly practices are become more able to develop deeper understanding regarding the nature which aids in increasing the conservation efforts even after trip ends. This will help in enhancing involvement in the sustainable practices which assists in protecting the cultural and environmental aspects of the country.

 Singh, Sharma and Abdullah (2024) confessed that eco tourism aids in offering incentives for preserving the natural resources and enhancing biodiversity. It has been estimated that eco tourism helps in reducing dependence over single industry such as agriculture and also assists in generating the diverse income sources. This monetary growth has resulted into increasing investment towards conserving plants that ultimately enhances the quality of natural resources. Moreover, revenue generated from eco tourism is reinvested towards healthcare, education, infrastructure development and other services which increase the overall well-being of community. Bentley and Halim (2024) it has been identified that eco-friendly practices play a crucial role in enhancing the health condition of local people. Eco-friendly practices promote transportation through electric vehicles, hiking and cycling which helps in reducing carbon emission within the country. This helps in enhancing the quality of air which ultimately results into reduction in the health issues within country. Further, reduction in the carbon emission also assists in dealing with the climate change which eventually contributes towards improving health condition within the country.

On the other hand, Ekka et al, (2023) explicated that eco-friendly practices in tourism industry also contributes in adequate waste management which helps in reducing pollution and health issues within the country. Various resort and hotels has been switched over using solar and wind energy for fulfilling the energy needs which aids in preserving resources and reducing the overall pollution. For example: Costa Rica is involved in preserving more than 25% of land by developing reserves and national parks which helps locals and visitor to enjoy natural beauty (Eco-friendly practice in Costa Rica, 2024). This regular maintenance of national park helps in reducing the wastages which reduces the level of pollution within the country.

2.2.2. Various theories of sustainable tourism development

According to view point of Bulat (2024), sustainable tourism refers to undertaking tourism activities which will help in reducing the economic, social and environment impact on the country. This is the wider aspect of ecotourism as it focuses on protecting culture, society, and community along with the natural resources and environment. This tourism aims at enhancing thr economic benefit while preserving the local customs, tradition, resources and community. In support of above author, Bayuningsih, Dzulkifli and Muksin (2024) explicated that there are large number of theories of sustainable tourism which should be adopted by the countries for protecting their resources and culture. All the decision regarding sustainable tourism should be evaluated on the basis of 5P’s theory which helps in promoting the sustainable tourism (5 P’s of sustainable tourism, 2023). People, prosperity, peace, planet and plants are five crucial elements which need to be focused for attaining the objective of sustainable tourisms.

 In this regard, Shashwat (2024) stated that country should promote local shops, product and services which help in enhancing the overall economic growth of the local people. Along with this, eco friendly practices such as reducing wastage, banning plastics and green transportation should be promoted which helps in safeguarding both planet as well as plants. Further, local people should co-ordinate with tourist and support them in identifying all the required resources which help in managing prosperity and peace while carrying out the tourism activity. Hailiang, Chau and Waqas (2023) explicated that 5 P theory of sustainable development is the most effective as it aids in covering all the potential aspect of the tourism which guides in taking the most accurate decision. For example: Costa Rica has established the large number of wildlife refuges, national parks, and other protected areas which helps in conserving wildlife and landscape. Moreover, Costa Rica is aiming at attaining Zero carbon emission at the end of 2050 due to which transportation activities has been promoted through EV vehicle which facilitates attainment of the goals successfully.

Along with this, Feng (2023) claimed that Triple bottom theory is another crucial method by which sustainable tourism could be developed. This theory stated that country should pay equal amount of attention towards social and environment needs as on profit (Triple bottom theory, 2023). Tourism is generally promoted with the aim of gaining economic and other benefits which ensure the overall growth and development. In this regard, focus should be paid on preserving local culture, promoting community well-being, rational use of limited resources, maintaining quality of resources and social inclusivity which helps in promoting the sustainable tourism development. This theory also defines interconnectedness between all the three elements which direct authorities to take the holistic decision. It is the most impactful theory which helps in maintaining balance between social well being, economic growth and environment responsibilities that eventually helps in the overall development of people, planet and profit.

However, Acevedo-Duque et al, (2021) articulated that triple bottom line theory does not provide any basis on which social and environment impact could be measured. Moreover, it is difficult to manage balance between individual financial goals and society goals. For example: Costa Rica is aiming at attracting the large number of tourist which helps in increasing economic position, however this also impacts the routine activity of the local people. This creates issue in prioritizing the activity which will help in overall development and growth of the country. Based on the view point of Song and Han (2023), it has identified that Tourism Area life cycle (TALC) is another crucial theory which should be used for promoting sustainable tourism development within country. This theory stated that there are six crucial stages by which a destination passes that include exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation and decline (TALC theory of sustainable tourism, 2024). According to this theory, eco -friendly activities should be initiated at each phase which will help in promoting sustainable tourism within country.

In support of findings, Abdou (2022) confessed that exploration stage includes receiving fewer visitors due to natural attraction but having the lack of adequate infrastructure. In involvement stage, local people started their businesses such as restaurants and guesthouses which help in developing interest of tourist. In development stages, social media and other digital platform are used for creating awareness regarding the destination and focus have also paid on infrastructure development and cultural attraction. After this, there is slow growth in number of tourist and country aiming at developing infrastructure to attract the more people. Moreover, there will be decline in the number of tourist and lastly destination lose its attraction and unable to influence the tourist.

 Shebanina, Burkovskaia and Poltorak (2023) stated that destination generally reach stagnation and decline stages due to the lack of concentration over sustainable growth. In the fourth stage, when the number of tourist increases then it creates dissatisfaction among the local people which started discouraging tourism in the country. To avoid such situation, country should emphasis on safeguarding society and environment of the country. This will help in maintaining attraction of the places which eventually support in growth of sustainable tourism. However, Sharma, Chen and Liu (2020) claimed that TALC model of tourism does not provide precision information regarding the measures that should be incorporated for the successful development of sustainable tourism. This model only defines various sustainable challenges that are encountered at each stage but does not clarify measures by which such issue could be overcome leading to inadequate development of sustainable tourisms. However, Lee et al, (2021) stated that stakeholder theory should be incorporated which aids in adequate development of sustainable tourism. This theory defines that all the potential stakeholder of tourism such as customer, organization, community and local people that should be managed for effectively carrying out tourism activities. This theory aids in describing most optimum strategies for managing diverse stakeholder which aids in avoiding negative impact of tourisms.

2.2.3. Impact of eco-friendly practices on sustainable tourism development

On the view point of Al-Romeedy and Alharethi (2024), it has articulated that sustainable tourism could be promoted by safeguarding natural resources and environment of the country. Eco-friendly practices include utilizing energy efficient technology, promoting public transports, preserving natural resources which ultimately help in development of sustainable tourism. For example: Costa Rica is aiming at developing renewable energy with the help of solar, wind and geothermal power. From the survey, it has identified that Costa Rica is generating 99.78% of power through waterfalls, high volcanic activity and rivers (Renewable energy in Costa Rica, 2023). Due to this, restaurant, hotels and other amenities develop for accommodating tourist creates less impact on environment.

 On the other hand, Abdou et al, (2022) stated that even after so many attempts to encourage eco friendly practices, most of the countries are unable to ban the use of plastic which creates issues in developing the sustainable tourism. These single-used plastics are degrading the quality of natural resources and places negative impact on the sustainable tourism. For example: It has been identified that 550 tons of plastic waste generated out of which only 9% could be recycled (Plastic waste in Costa Rica, 2023). Further, 80% of plastics are collected from the waterways of Costa Rica which creates issue in adequately promoting the sustainable tourism.

Firman et al, (2023) explicated that eco-friendly practices encourage persevering natural resources and beauty of the country which help in attracting more tourist that contribute towards promoting economic growth. This economic growth helps in increasing the country’s investment towards developing infrastructure which ultimately results into overall development of sustainable tourism. For example: Costa Rica follows system of National park in country which includes creating a network of protected areas such as wildlife refuges, national parks and biological reserves. This helps in conserving various flora and faunas of country which support in sustainable tourism development. On the contrary point of view, Hwang and Moon (2023) confessed that deforestation has been increased due to rising accommodation at the natural places which creates issue in promoting sustainable tourism. Further, there is increasing focus on exploring new areas due to which various forests has been cut off for making roads and ease transportation which ultimately impact on country’s resources. For example: Cost Rica is facing deforestation issue as most of land has been used for promoting industries and tourism which is negatively impacting on natural resources (Deforestation issue in Costa Rica, 2023).

Chang et al, (2024) assessed that eco- friendly practices support in reducing the pollution which helps in attracting more tourists. This practice helps in maintaining beauty and attractiveness of destination which helps in influencing the larger number of visitor. Increase in the number of tourist provides opportunity to the local business and small shop owners to enhance their profits which ultimately boost overall economic position. This helps in improving the living standard of local population which gives rise to sustainable tourism within the country. For example: Tourism industry of Costa Rica is generating over 18 billion pounds in the year of 2024 which indicates the overall economic growth (Income contributed from tourism industry in Costa Rica, 2023). This growth will eventually help in creating countries’ infrastructure leading to promote the overall development of citizens. However, Baloch et al, (2023) explicated that eco-friendly practices requires huge amount of investment and cost which reduces profitability of the country. In eco friendly practices, renewable resources need to be used which increases price of all the services and eventually reduces the level of accessibility of the entire tourist. Sustainable tourism also includes promoting accessibility and affordability of tourist activities among the larger section of society. However, eco friendly services increase cost which reduces accessibility for the middle and lower income class people that ultimately creates issue in the sustainable development.

According to view point of Hwang, Kim and Choe (2020) eco-tourism also aims at defining cultural and tradition of the country to tourist for conserving the local customs and values. Further, eco tourism is aiming at increasing community engagement by offering economic opportunity, valuing culture, promoting local business which helps in increasing sustainable tourism within the country. For example: Costa Rica is involved towards preserving their traditional crafts, supporting indigenous community and promoting gastronomy which contributes towards promoting the country’ cultural aspects. This helps in conserving culture and tradition of country which ultimately leads development of the sustainable tourism.

On the contrary point of view, Bashir, Khwaja and Mahmood (2021) said that due to increase in eco-friendly practices, countries are able to attract tourist from all around the world which result in influencing citizen towards other’s culture and tradition. This result in adopting culture and lifestyles of others; people which eventually result in losing local culture that create issue in developing sustainable tourism within country. For example: 60.8% of total tourist within Costa Rica belongs to European countries due to which local people has also started selling product according to their needs. Moreover, people also get influenced by the lifestyle of others due to which demand for local product diminished which ultimately losing culture and creates issue in the development of sustainable tourism. On the view point of Raji et al, (2024) eco friendly practices also helps in creating awareness regarding the significance of protecting environment which further promotes overall sustainability. Eco-friendly practices guide tourist regarding measures which should not be incorporated for protecting environment helps in promoting sustainable tourism within country.

2.4. Literature Gap

Earlier studies have been initiated for determining the significance of sustainable tourism practices within country. However, concentration has not been paid over identifying activities by which such goals could be achieved (Trišić et al, 2021). Moreover, eco friendly practices have also incorporated for protection of natural resources but its impact has not been analysed in regard to sustainable tourisms. Therefore, the current study helps in describing all the positive and negative impact of eco- friendly practices on the sustainable tourism. Moreover, it will also defines various factors that are creating issue in developing sustainable development based on which most accurate strategies could be formulated.

3. RESEARCH QUESTION, RESEARCH AIMS AND RESEARCH QUESTION

3.1 Research aims

The aim behind initiating current study is to determine influence of eco-friendly practices in promoting sustainable tourism development within Costa Rica.

3.2 Research objective

• To study concept of eco- friendly practices and its significance.
• To evaluate theoretical underpinning related to Sustainable tourism development within Costa Rica.
• To analysis interrelationship between eco friendly practices and sustainable tourism development within Costa Rica.
• To recommend competent eco- friendly strategies for promoting sustainable tourism development within Costa Rica.

3.3 Research question

• What is meaning of Eco -friendly practices and its importance?
• What is various theories related to sustainable tourism development within Cost Rica?
• What is relationship between eco- friendly practices and sustainable tourism development?

4. IMPLICATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

4.1 Practical implication

The current study will help in creating awareness regarding the significance of introducing eco-friendly practices in tourism industry. This will guide government and other local organization to initiate actions which as to protect environment, society and culture of the destination (Ali et al, 2024). Along with this, it will also guide tourist and visitors regarding the importance of preserving environment which helps in developing sustainable tourism. The outcome of study will also define various challenges that are encountered while developing sustainable tourism based on which timely and accurate decision could be taken.

4.2 Theoretical implication

Outcome of present study will add to exiting literature that result in enhancing overall understanding of the user (Khater et al, 2024). Further, the study will act as point of reference based on which future studies could be initiated by other scholar.

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Online

5 P’s of sustainable tourism. 2023. Online. Available through: <https://sustainabletourismandresponsibletravel.com/the-5-ps-of-sustainable-tourism/>

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Deforestation issue in Costa Rica. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/CRI/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20Costa%20Rica%20had,5.75%20Mt%20of%20CO%E2%82%82%20emissions.>

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Eco-friendly practice in Costa Rica. 2024. Online. Available through: < https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/pura-vida-pura-sustainability-costa-ricas-path-to-a-green-future/>

Income contributed from tourism industry in Costa Rica. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://tourismanalytics.com/blog-posts/costa-rica-breaks-tourism-records-with-over-5-billion-in-revenue-projected-for-2024#:~:text=According%20to%20data%20from%20the,of%20the%20sector's%20robust%20recovery.>

Investment of Costa Rica towards Eco-tourism. 2024. Online. Available through: < https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-investing-costa-ricas-tourism-sector-investingcostarica-bsoyf#:~:text=The%20country%20is%20a%20global,in%20terms%20of%20attracting%20FDI.>

Low land forests of Costa Rica. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/CRI/>

Number of tourist in Costa Rica. 2024. Online. Available through: < https://tourismanalytics.com/blog-posts/costa-rica-tourism-professionals-analyze-recent-low-season-visitor-decline#:~:text=The%20tourism%20ministry%20remains%20optimistic,round%20flights%20from%20various%20markets.>

Plastic waste in Costa Rica. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724035435#:~:text=The%20plastic%20waste%20in%20Costa,location%20of%20each%20recycling%20facility.>

Renewable energy in Costa Rica. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/costa-ricas-renewable-energy#:~:text=Renewable%20energy%20in%20Costa%20Rica,power%20and%2015%25%20from%20geothermal.>

TALC theory of sustainable tourism. 2024. Online. Available through: < https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616688.2024.2325932>

Triple bottom theory. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/corporate-responsibility-in-2023-triple-bottom-line-sustainability,3669#:~:text=Corporate%20Responsibility%20in%202023%3A%20Triple%20Bottom%20Line%20Sustainability,-Posted%20Monday%2C%20February&text=The%20Triple%20Bottom%20Line%20(TBL,credited%20with%20coining%20the%20term.>