Sustainable tourism is tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, social and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
Sustainable tourism does NOT constitute one or more tourist modality, but it is the objective to which all tourist typologies must aim.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Guidelines for the sustainable development of tourism and sustainable management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various tourism segments.
However, the reality of tourism is far from the objectives set by the UNWTO in relation to the sustainability of tourism activity.
Some examples of application of the criteria of sustainability in the tourist activity are: ecotourism, green tourism, agrotourism, community tourism, fair, supportive, ethical or responsible tourism, alternative tourism, low impact, or also called the other tourism.
