Abstract

Author:
Ifeoluwa Oreofe Adekuajo, Chioma Ann Udeh, Oluwafunmi Adijat Elufioye, Obiageli Chinwe Nnabugwu, Chibuike Daraojimba

Doi: 10.26480/egnes.01.2024.42.51

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This scholarly review embarks on an explorative journey to dissect the essence and operationalization of sustainable tourism within developing countries and extrapolates its implications for the United States. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the multifarious dimensions of sustainable tourism, delineating its environmental, socio-cultural, and economic facets, and to distill the lessons that can be leveraged to refine U.S. tourism policies. Employing a systematic literature review as its methodological compass, this study meticulously sifts through peer-reviewed articles, focusing on the period from 2016 to 2023, to capture the zeitgeist of sustainable tourism practices. The inclusion criteria were stringent, ensuring that only studies with significant relevance and rigor informed the review. The main findings articulate a nuanced understanding of sustainable tourism, revealing that while developing countries are pioneering in certain practices, there exists a chasm filled with challenges and opportunities that the U.S. can navigate through policy adaptation and innovation. The study identifies best practices, evaluates stakeholder roles, and assesses the comparative adaptability of these practices within the U.S. context. Conclusively, the study posits that the U.S. stands at a pivotal juncture to reinvigorate its tourism policies by embracing a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability. Recommendations include harnessing technological advancements, fortifying community participation, and aligning with global sustainability benchmarks. The abstract encapsulates the study’s classical yet engaging narrative, inviting readers to delve into a profound analysis that bridges geographical divides and unites disparate tourism paradigms under the umbrella of sustainability.