Sustainability Indicators for Tourism Destinations: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach Using Systemic Indicator Systems

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses the necessity for complementing linear sustainability assessment tools, which disregard the complex and dynamic nature of tourism, with complex adaptive systems (CASs) approaches. A methodological framework for the selection and evaluation of sustainability indicators for tourism destinations, the systemic indicator system (SIS), is proposed; this framework takes the interrelatedness of sociocultural, economic and environmental issues into account. The SIS methodology is tested using a case study of a holiday eco-village project near Lamington National Park in Queensland, Australia. The results show that tourism destinations need to be viewed and studied as CASs, and that sustainability indicator systems need to be applied in the context of an adaptive management approach. Special attention is given to the capability of the SIS methodology as a decision aid for resort developers and planners to improve the effectiveness of measures for pollution prevention and mitigation. Keywords: adaptive managementcomplex adaptive systemssustainability indicatorssocial–ecological systemtourism destinations Acknowledgements This project was financed by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, established by the Australian Commonwealth Government. We thank several anonymous reviewers and the editor Bernard Lane for constructive comments, which substantially improved this paper. Notes 1. The term SDM is used in the context of quantitative system dynamics based on computer simulation modelling; qualitative system dynamics is termed as systems thinking (CitationRichmond, 1994; CitationWolstenholme, 1999). 2. For a full study, the reader is referred to the original literature, in particular Bossel (1999, 2001). 3. The Ethos Foundation is a not for profit sustainability learning and earthcare organisation in Queensland, Australia. It is not linked to the Swiss Ethos Foundation for Sustainable Development. The Ethos Foundation was established with seed funding when the Ridge on Binna Burra was sold in November/December 2007 because of financial stresses. The vendee has the intention to continue with the development in ways that adhere to the original sustainability goals of the centre. The Ethos foundation continues to operate independently from the ecovillage and a core component of its activities support local and share-wide business and economic revitalisation within the region.