Framework model to assess leisure and tourism sustainability

Throughout the world, leisure and tourism have long since gained major importance for individuals, businesses and the public sector. Sustainability demands equity not only for one generation, but also between current and future generations. Research should provide more balanced insight into ongoing economic, environmental, social and cultural processes, and thus for appropriate future action. This article presents an innovative comprehensive framework model for assessing impacts arising from leisure and tourism in defined large areas and relevant to society as a whole. The model is centred on leisure activities undertaken near or far from the usual home. Selected examples relate to Germany.