Unveiling the Power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Realizing Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism has become increasingly important in the context of environmental conservation, social equity, and economic development. Achieving sustainability in tourism planning requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships between natural, cultural, and economic factors, one of which is through the practice of responsible tourism. It necessitates active participation from all stakeholders, who must harness the positive potential of tourism through heightened awareness of environmental preservation and the cultivation of a profound sense of responsibility[1]. Thus, a conscientious approach is indispensable at every stage of implementing sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring they are executed with precision, coherence, and inclusivity.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can transform the way planners approach these challenges, providing a powerful platform for spatial analysis, decision support, and stakeholder engagement. GIS enables stakeholders to integrate diverse datasets, visualize spatial patterns, and assess the impacts of tourism on various aspects. Moreover, GIS facilitates scenario modelling, allowing planners to explore alternative development pathways and evaluate their potential outcomes. This will empower stakeholders to devise methods for every stage of tourism development that are characterized by enhanced accountability, measurability, and systematic implementation.

By synthesizing current literature and identifying gaps in the research, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the role of GIS in sustainable tourism planning. Additionally, it aims to offer insights into future research, supplemented by real-world case studies for practical illustration and guidance.

Examining The Capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system for collecting, storing, checking, integrating, managing, analyzing and displaying data which are spatially associated with the Earth[2].  A geographic information system is an organized collection of computer hardware and software, people, money, and organizational infrastructure that enables the acquisition and storage of geographic and related attribute data, for the purpose of retrieval, analysis, synthesis, and display to improve understanding and aid decision making[3].

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as indispensable tools across various fields, playing a crucial role in capturing, storing, querying, analysing, modelling, displaying, and outputting geographic data. Figure 1 illustrates the multifaceted functions of GIS, including the capture of geographic data from diverse sources such as satellite imagery, GPS devices, and survey data, efficient storage in databases or file systems for easy accessibility and organization, and the capability to query stored data for specific information retrieval based on user-defined parameters. GIS platforms also provide robust analytical tools for spatial analysis, advanced modelling capabilities for simulating real-world scenarios and predicting spatial patterns, and options for displaying geographic information through maps, charts, and visualizations to enhance communication and understanding of spatial relationships. Moreover, GIS facilitates output functionalities, enabling users to generate reports, maps, and other documents to effectively communicate their findings.

GIS Function

Defining Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism embodies a commitment to minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and local communities while maximizing positive outcomes. It seeks to harmonize economic, environmental, and socio-cultural considerations to ensure the preservation of natural and cultural resources for future generations. Social sustainability in tourism underscores the imperative of engaging local communities in development processes, prioritizing their well-being[4]. Recognizing the dual nature of tourism's impact, this approach strives to leverage its benefits while mitigating negative consequences on destination societies. Economic sustainability in tourism entails generating economic gains in a balanced and responsible manner, mindful of the environmental capacity of the destination[5]. It aims for sustained economic growth that benefits both the destination and its residents over the long term. Environmental sustainability within the tourism sector focuses on maintaining or enhancing economic progress within ecological limits[6]. This necessitates a holistic approach that safeguards the natural and cultural assets of the destination, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Sustainable tourism planning operates within a cyclical framework, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and enhancement in response to evolving circumstances. Each phase, spanning from assessment to evaluation, forms an interconnected loop, driving planning, implementation, evaluation, and adjustment iteratively. Initiated by assessment, this process lays the groundwork for subsequent planning endeavours. As goals are established and strategies devised, implementation takes centre stage, translating plans into action through infrastructure development, destination marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Subsequently, evaluation assumes significance, as progress is monitored, data is collected, and outcomes are analysed against predetermined benchmarks. Through evaluation, successes, challenges, and areas for improvement are identified, guiding adjustments to plans and strategies and leading back to the assessment phase to commence the cycle anew. Embracing the cyclical nature of sustainable tourism planning fosters adaptability and responsiveness among stakeholders, ensuring that tourism development remains attuned to sustainability principles over time. This iterative approach empowers destinations to thrive while mitigating negative impacts and maximizing benefits for both the environment and local communities.

Sustainable Tourism Planning Cycle

GIS's Contribution to Sustainable Tourism Planning

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable tourism practices across various stages of assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring. During the assessment phase, it supports market analysis and resource inventory, aiding stakeholders in understanding tourist trends, preferences, and identifying natural and cultural attractions, while also ensuring that tourism development respects environmental and socio-economic limits through carrying capacity analysis. In the planning stage, GIS empowers decision-makers with informed choices in site selection, scenario planning, and route planning, fostering the development of tourism infrastructure that balances social, environmental, and economic aspects. Furthermore, GIS enhances the implementation of sustainable tourism initiatives by facilitating efficient infrastructure development and effective visitor management, thereby minimizing negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities. In the monitoring and evaluation phase, GIS enables impact assessment and performance monitoring, enabling authorities to accurately gauge the socio-economic and environmental effects of tourism development. Through the continuous tracking of tourism-related metrics, GIS facilitates the ongoing improvement of policies and initiatives, ensuring the upholding of sustainable tourism practices.

In essence, GIS serves as an indispensable tool for fostering sustainable tourism practices by providing valuable spatial insights and supporting informed decision-making throughout the tourism development lifecycle. Its integration enables stakeholders to balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity, thereby promoting tourism that benefits both present and future generations.

The Role of GIS in Each Steps of Sustainable Tourism Planning Cycle

Precedent: Assessment of Selected Prioritized Tourism Attractions on Lombok, Indonesia

In realizing sustainable tourism, responsible concrete steps are needed from every tourism stakeholder, including the government. In this case, the government through consultants has carried out an assessment and also selected priority tourism attractions on Lombok Island using the GIS method in order to create a measurable and systematic planning process. The examination encompassed several stages, including resources inventory, mapping suitability, multiple criteria readiness assessment, and assessing environmental carrying capacity (ECC) using GIS. Among the 32 attractions considered, 5 ideal priority attractions were identified as suitable based on both environmental and tourism criteria Suhono, et al., [7].

GIS-Based Environmental Assessment Of Selected Prioritized Tourism Attractions On Lombok Process

GIS-based environmental assessment of selected prioritized tourist attractions on Lombok Island, 2020

Conclusion

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) stand as a cornerstone in every facet of fostering sustainable tourism, spanning across assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation (M&D) stages. As sustainable tourism is an iterative process, requiring continuous refinement and adaptation, GIS emerges as an integrated tool with multifaceted capabilities. It possesses the capacity to capture, store, query, analyse, model, and display an array of data, encompassing various tourism elements such as attractions, amenities, and accessibility factors. This comprehensive functionality enables GIS to serve as a dynamic platform for synthesizing diverse datasets and extracting valuable insights crucial for informed decision-making. Moreover, GIS facilitates collaboration and engagement among multiple stakeholders by providing a common framework for data analysis and visualization. By leveraging GIS, stakeholders can gain deeper understanding, optimize planning strategies, and enhance the effectiveness of sustainable tourism initiatives, ultimately contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural resources while maximizing socio-economic benefits for communities.

Reference

[1]         Goodwin, H. 2011. Taking Responsibility for Tourism. Woo Deaton, Oxford: Good fellow Publishers Ltd.

[2]         Burrough, P.A., and McDonnell, R. 1998. Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Oxford Univeristy Press, Oxford, U.K.

[3]         Joseph, T.S. 2021. GIS, Sistem Informasi Geografis. Yayasan Primaagus Teknik, Semarang.

[4]         Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310329

[5]         HwanSuk Chris Choi, Ercan Sirakaya, Sustainability indicators for managing community tourism, Tourism Management, Volume 27, Issue 6, 2006, Pages 1274-1289, ISSN 0261-5177, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.05.018.

[6]         Santos, E. From Neglect to Progress: Assessing Social Sustainability and Decent Work in the Tourism Sector. Sustainability 2023, 15, 10329. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/su151310329

[7]         Suhono, H. A. R., Pratiwi, & Kurniadhi. (2020). GIS-based environmental assessment of selected prioritized tourist attractions on Lombok Island. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 592, 1-37. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/592/1/012014.