Abstract:
As in all other sectors, competition in the tourism sector is gaining momentum within this rapidly globalizing world. The high competition between destinations has made sustainability the most significant concept in the tourism sector, which is largely fed by environmental factors, upon the increase in environmental awareness. When environmental sustainability is taken into consideration, destination carrying capacity appears as a factor not to be ignored. An overburdened carrying capacity means damage to natural and social resources. Considering the unspoiled natural environment as one of the leading incentives for travelling, we can say that protection-usage balance of resources is a good way of providing sustainable competitive advantage. Destinations, which aim at receiving a bigger share from the economically precious tourism sector, needs to provide environmental sustainability bearing the changes in tourism-intended travelling tendencies in mind. Within this regard reflected to the present study, we have tried to reveal the relation between the importance of environmental resources, an appealing factor for destinations, and sustainable competitiveness.

Keywords: Environmental effects of tourism, Sustainable tourism, Carrying capacity, Sustainable competitive advantage

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