Socioenvironmental function of tourism enterprises: local approaches to global challenges

Abstract

This study analyzes the socio-environmental role of tourism enterprises, examining how their activities can minimize negative impacts through sustainable development strategies that benefit both ecosystems and host communities. The methodology employed consisted of document review and regulatory analysis of Argentine and international legislation, a conceptual–historical examination of the evolution of tourism toward sustainability paradigms, and comparative studies of three Argentine tourist destinations: San Carlos de Bariloche, Mar del Plata, and Tandil, Argentina. A semi-structured interview was conducted with key stakeholders, and written inquiries were submitted to municipal authorities responsible for tourism in Mar del Plata and Tandil. The results show an ongoing transition from mass tourism to sustainable models, supported by the current legal framework in Argentina. Various strategies were identified to balance the economic development of tourism with the protection of ecosystems, depending on the characteristics and historical trajectories of each destination. The conclusions highlight the need to reconcile tourism’s economic development with environmental preservation through the effective application of the principles of prevention and intergenerational equity, requiring coordinated commitments among the State, universities, NGOs, society, and tourism enterprises.