Conceptual-Methodological Issues of Sustainable Development in the Aspect of Agrotourism

Abstract

The development of the tourism industry has a positive effect on the country's economy and the well-being of the population.  However, at the same time, following the stages of development, undesirable effects are also observed in different directions. If the development of tourism has only high commercial purpose, it will harm the country's culture, natural resources, and values. Unfortunately, places of mass tourism face certain problems in the areas of ecology, culture, and social development. In addition to environmental damage and pollution, within the resources consumed by industry, depletion of natural resources, destruction of biodiversity, land degradation, and finally the tourism industry accounts for about 5% of total global warming. However, we have to admit that the world faces the need to develop sustainable tourism. In this case, we have to mention the 2011 Geneva report “Towards a Green Economy: Sustainable Development and the Path to Poverty Eradication”, since it inspired certain changes in public opinion. Considering the goals of sustainable tourism there were developed numerous recommendations such as ensuring optimal utilization of natural resources and proper management of ecological processes. Therefore, it concerns the preservation of biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage and traditions, fair employment sector, fair distribution of economic benefits through social measures, reduction of the poverty level in the region, etc. We have to highlight the role of eco-agro-tourism since it is a key factor in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Thus the paper deals with the issue of achieving all the 17 goals of sustainable development, the role of sustainable agro-tourism, and the conceptual-methodological approach of the mentioned aspect.