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ARISTA Award Application Prizes will be awarded for agencies in 3 geographic areas:  Rhode Island, New England, and the United States.  Please indicate which region your nomination applies to. Rhode Island   New England  United States The ARISTA will be presented at the 2010 Annual Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Dinner on Sept. 23, 2010. Back to ARISTA Main Page Nominee or Applicant Organization Contact Person Mailing Address City State Zip Phone Fax Email Website (if applicable) Application Submitted By: (If different from above) Organization Contact Person Mailing Address City State Zip Phone Fax Email Website (if applicable) Please address the following in a general way, if applicable to your project Explain the goals and objectives of your project. What natural or built environments were protected or developed for sustainable economic use? What citizens’ groups, individuals, government agencies or private corporations did your project draw upon for expertise and input? How does it respect your area’s environment, culture, economy, community or traditional ways of life? How were benefits, costs and resources distributed among tourism promoters and hosting entities, i.e. affected communities? How does your project align with any stated or implied national, regional or local sustainable development strategies? Please write a project description of 250-500 words. How did you hear about us? Up to four photos or diagrams may be included. Please email to: info@tourblackstone.com Or mail to: Sustainable Lab Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street Pawtucket, RI 02860

Sustainable Tourism Defined

According to the World Tourism Organization:

"Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, and biological diversity and life support systems."

To further explain: Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Tourism development guidelines and management practices can be applied to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations. This includes mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments.

Sustainability Goals

Ideally, good information, research and communication on the nature of tourism and its effects on the human and cultural environment should be available prior to and during development so the local community can participate in and influence the direction of development and its effects, keeping in mind the individual and community interest.

The community should be encouraged and expected to undertake leadership roles in planning and development with the assistance of government, business and financial interests.

Integrate environmental, social and economic planning analyses should be undertaken prior to the commencement of any major projects, with careful consideration given to different types of tourism development and the ways in which they might link with existing uses, ways of life and environmental considerations.

Throughout all stages of tourism development and operation, a careful assessment, monitoring and mediation program should be conducted in order to allow local people and others to take advantage of opportunities or to respond to changes.