Lights and shadows of Airbnb and all-inclusive vacations: How to make them more sustainable? – tourist sector

Abstract

One of the sustainable goals refers to the tourism services sector—by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture as well as products. Responsible tourism (RT) means to: – minimise the negative impact on the economic, environmental and social sphere (3P model); – generate greater economic benefits for local communities; – support the welfare of host communities; – improve working conditions and access to the tourism industry; – engage local residents in making decisions that will have influence on their lives, surroundings and possibilities; – support the preservation of heritage in the sphere of nature and culture for maintaining diversity; – provide tourists with new experiences through closer and more meaningful contact with local culture and people. Below, of the following forms of tourist services are discussed—all-inclusive vacations and Airbnb. The goal is to invite readers to take part in the discussion on those popular forms of spending leisure time—how to make them—if possible—more sustainable.

Sustainability and sustainable development

“…Every year in Poland, from 45,000 to 48,000 people die because of air pollution (smog). The problem of premature death because of air quality touches 400,000 Europeans (PolsatNews, 2018). On the other hand, from a Corporate Social Responsibility point of view, it must be stressed that the positive effect of renewable energy sources will be high if equipment dedicated to such systems is environmental-friendly at all stages of the products' "life": from manufacturing, throughout transportation, installation and operation, to the moment when they need to be recycled.…”