Sustainable Tourism Development and SDG Integration: A Conceptual Mapping

Abstract

Tourism is widely recognized as a significant contributor to economic, social, and environmental development, making it a critical sector for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, existing literature and practice reveal a fragmented and descriptive understanding of SDG integration in tourism, with limited operational frameworks and weak alignment across micro, meso, and macro levels. This paper proposes a conceptual mapping model for sustainable tourism development that systematically integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions with measurable indicators, multi-level governance, stakeholder collaboration, and technology-enabled monitoring. Drawing on sustainable development theory, systems thinking, and tourism planning frameworks, the model operationalizes SDG objectives and provides actionable guidance for managers, policymakers, and researchers. The paper also outlines empirically testable propositions, including the effects of systemic SDG mapping on policy coherence and measurable indicators on accountability, offering a foundation for future research and practical implementation. The model enhances theoretical understanding of SDG operationalization in tourism, fosters policy coherence, and supports adaptive management through technology and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, it underscores the importance of multi-level and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that local, regional, and national strategies are aligned for sustainable outcomes. By providing a comprehensive framework, this study contributes to the advancement of sustainable tourism, offering insights that promote economic growth, social equity, environmental protection, and long-term resilience. The findings have significant implications for policy design, tourism management, and SDG reporting, demonstrating how tourism can serve as a strategic driver of sustainable development.

Keywords: Sustainable Tourism, SDG Integration, Systems Thinking, Policy Coherence, Stakeholder Collaboration, Technology-Enabled Monitoring