The Challenge Facing Sustainable Tourism: Can Ecotourism Provide a Path Forward?
Prof. Bob McKercher
Adjunct Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Date: 5 March 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:30-13:00
Venue: E22-1030
Host: Prof. Anthony WONG, Professor in Integrated Resort and Tourism Management
Abstract
While mass tourism is currently unsustainable, ecotourism—if realistically and inclusively defined—offers a pragmatic, though limited, path toward greater sustainability within the broader tourism industry. Yet, ecotourism alone cannot achieve full sustainability, but it provides a critical framework for moving the entire tourism industry toward more responsible practices. The future lies in integrating ecotourism principles broadly, managing impacts pragmatically, and moving beyond idealistic hopes to implement actionable, ethical strategies. The presentation ends by posing the unresolved, foundational question: “Can tourism ever be sustainable?” implying that ecotourism is a step, not a final destination.
Speaker
Bob McKercher has wide ranging research interests including cultural tourism, distance decay, and more. He received his PhD from the University of Melbourne in Australia, a Master’s degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and his undergraduate degree from York University in Toronto, Canada. Prior to entering academia, he worked in a variety of operational and advocacy position in the Canadian tourism industry. He is the Past President of the International Academic for the Study of Tourism; a Fellow of the International Academic for the Study of Tourism; the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education and; the International Academy of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research.
All are welcome!
