Eduardo Fayos-Solà

The FAS Model

Abstract Destination management is in urgent need of analytical and policy tools, and even more so in the context of tourism for development programs. Understanding both structural elements and dynamic processes are essential. This chapter describes a model of destinations which considers three types of structural components: factors/resources, attractors (of tourism demand), and support systems. It analyzes as well the optimizing behavior of destination stakeholders, both endogenous and exogenous, as a way to understand destination dynamics. The model can be applied in the strategic positioning of destinations as well as in achieving competitiveness and sustainability—ultimately contributing to development—through tourism policy plans and governance processes. The model was born in the context of a European Eureka–ComTur research project, and has been tested in a variety of destinations.

Key Factors for Development

Abstract Previously disregarded factors are now included in development theory and practice. A narrow understanding of capital has had profound effects on development as well as on tourism policy and governance. In this framework, purpose-designed tourism for development has been the exception. Contemporary ideas of other forms of capital playing a key role in a broader concept of development are examined, specifically the central function of human and social-institutional capital. Human capital is seen in the light of capabilities, attributes, and knowledge possessed by individuals. Social-institutional capital may empower individuals as it refers to the value of trust and cooperation deriving from formal and informal sets of behavioral rules. This chapter clarifies the foundations of tourism as an instrument for development if tourism policy and governance are designed and implemented within an adequate framework.

Case Studies in Technological Innovation

Technological innovation is key to the future of tourism, whether through astrotourism, virtual reality or cutting edge new technologies to reduce energy consumption in the tourism sector. This chapter deals with two sets of case studies: Firstly, astrotourism is examined in detail showcasing this type of future-focus in detail and examining the implications for products and governance. Secondly, the hotel sector is one of the tourism industry’s largest drivers of employment and economic revenue but at the same time it is one of the most energy-intensive. In fact, hotels and other types of accommodation account for 2% of the 5% global CO2 emitted by the tourism sector. The second set of case studies examines two such examples—the ‘Nearly Zero Energy Hotels’ project and the ‘Hotel Energy Solutions’ project (http://hotelenergysolutions.net/).

Conclusion: The Future of Tourism—Innovation for Inclusive Sustainable Development

It is remarkable that the subject of this book—tourism futures—has been territory where few authors have dared to tread. In part this is because the future is subject to so many imprecise and unkownable variables that everything is possible—which is why we think of tourism futures, rather than a tourism future. Besides, tourism is but a thread, albeit an important one, of the narratives of this civilization. In other words, there are an infinite number of futures to consider for the world and for tourism within it and, as this book shows, predicting tourism futures is not an easy task. Here, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other organisations have termed the uncertainty caused by the radical change experienced in the twenty-first century as the ‘new normal’ suggesting that tourism will never return to the relatively stable conditions in the second half of the twentieth century. Indeed, tourism is inextricably integrated with the technological and socioeconomic fabric of society and so is subjected to its changes and influences (Fayos-Sola 2012, p. xi).

The Political Economy of Development

Abstract There is no clear understanding on the terms and concepts of development, both in the academic literature of tourism and in general. What constitutes “growth”, and what is “development”? The emphasis on mathematical modeling has favored the use of simplifying hypothesis, with dubious practical results for the real problems of development. This chapter discusses the most relevant aspects of theories of development, enunciated at different times in the course of the last two centuries, with the purpose of illuminating different theoretical approaches to analysis and policy formulation that may support actual strategy and practice in tourism.