Sustainable tourism as a strategy for leveraging tourism potential at a global level

Abstract

Sustainable tourism has emerged as a key global strategy for maximizing tourism potential while preserving environmental resources, protecting sociocultural heritage, and fostering equitable benefits for local communities. The aim of this study was to identify sustainable tourism as a strategy for harnessing tourism potential globally. A documentary research methodology was applied, and the study is explanatory and bibliographic in nature. In a context of growing global demand for responsible and conscious experiences, sustainability extends beyond isolated ecotourism practices, establishing itself as a structural development model capable of balancing economic growth, environmental conservation, and social inclusion. Recent research highlights that global tourism markets are reconfiguring their strategies to respond to this demand, incorporating elements such as sustainable infrastructure, reduced ecological impacts, and strengthened community participation, thus positioning sustainable tourism as a pillar of international competitiveness. In conclusion, the consolidation of sustainable strategies not only encompasses responsible environmental management but also participatory planning, diversification of tourism products, and the generation of lasting socioeconomic benefits for host communities, demonstrating that sustainable tourism presents itself as a comprehensive and global strategy for harnessing tourism potential in a resilient and equitable manner.