Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: The tourism industry, like other traditional industries, is exposed to increasing competition resulting from the effects of globalization.To remain competitive tourism companies are forming alliances and partnerships with other organizations in order that they might gain additional resources.One resource that the tourism industry depends upon is the natural environment.Tourism requires infrastructure, consumes scarce resources, and generates waste in ways that generate adverse environmental and social affects.Since tourism companies frequently depend on high quality natural and cultural environments for their attractiveness it might be expected that these firms would actively promote sustainable forms of development.This research examines the influence of community stakeholders on the environmental strategies of a tourism corporation.In doing so, it identifies key characteristics of the relationship and then indicates the management implications of stakeholder inclusion.A case study of Intrawest Corporation: Whistler/Blackcomb (W/B) and its relationship with community stakeholders is used to illustrate the influences of stakeholders on corporate environmental actions.The findings suggest that although community stakeholders have significantly influenced the environmental strategies of W/B, the company is moving towards a more corporately driven environmental approach to business.Currently, environmental and social stewardship goals provide a common bond between W/B and its stakeholders.As the environmental and social values and objectives of W/B and its community stakeholders become more aligned the need for environmental groups and community members to act a s regulators will lessen.As the relationship between stakeholder groups and W/B strengthens the challenge will be to maintain the individuality of each organization and to ensure that Whistler maintains its unique sense of place.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Julia Elizabeth Marcoux
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2275763299