UN Tourism defines sustainable tourism and sets out three principles: protecting natural resources, respecting local culture and sharing benefits fairly. For a small farm this means concrete choices on water, waste, local produce, employment and pricing.
This article explains what UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization) means by sustainable tourism and how its principles can be applied on a small farm that hosts guests. It is for farm hosts, producers and restaurateurs in East Herzegovina. It is not a legal rule: it sets no obligations, it offers a framework for decisions.
In short
- UN Tourism defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".
- It sets out three principles alongside the definition. Environmental: optimal use of natural resources, conserving natural heritage and biodiversity. Socio-cultural: respecting the authenticity of host communities, their cultural heritage and traditional values. Economic: viable long-term operations with fairly distributed benefits for all stakeholders, including stable employment and income.
- UN Tourism adds that sustainable tourism should keep tourist satisfaction high and raise visitors' awareness of sustainability.
- In its 2020 Recommendations on Tourism and Rural Development, UNWTO states that sustainability of tourism in rural areas will only succeed if a comprehensive, inclusive planning strategy is adopted and implemented.
Who it applies to
Any farm or household offering guests accommodation, food, a farm visit or a rural experience. Size does not matter: the principles apply to one house with a few rooms.
What to do
The steps below are a practical application of the three principles, not an official UN Tourism checklist.
- Nature: measure water and energy use in the season, separate waste, keep springs and streams clean, show guests how to behave outdoors (trails, fire, litter).
- Culture: offer what is genuinely yours: local dishes, crafts, stories of the area. Do not water tradition down just because guests expect it.
- Economy: buy food and services from neighbours and local producers, hire from the village, set a price that covers real costs and your own work.
- Guests: tell them the house rules in advance (quiet, animals, waste) and why they exist. UN Tourism adds that sustainable tourism should raise visitors' awareness of sustainability.
- Community: connect with neighbouring households, associations and the municipality. UN Tourism treats joint planning as a condition for success in rural tourism.
- Legal duties: business registration, tourist tax and guest registration are handled with the competent authorities and are outside this article. Check them with your municipality.
Where to go
- The municipal administration and local tourism organisation in your municipality (Trebinje, Bileća, Gacko, Ljubinje, Nevesinje, Berkovići) for cooperation and planning. Check the contact details with your municipality.
- UN Tourism, sustainable development for the original definition and principles.
Laws and sources
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