In the realm where tourism fuels local economies, this study unveils the transformative landscape of the “green job ecosystem,” aiming to transcend traditional constraints. Through a meticulous conceptual model, it dissects vital threads of green job characteristics and social-cultural factors, proposing succinct research propositions for future empirical investigations. Methodologically anchored in rigorous conceptual approaches and robust theoretical frameworks, the study delves into drivers of change, job characteristics, and community factors within the ecosystem. The model envisions a future where tourism intertwines with sustainability, shaped by environmental awareness, policy support, technological innovation, and community engagement. As a call to action, this research invites future exploration to test the conceptual framework empirically, contributing to a flourishing, sustainable narrative for both destination and resident alike.
TopIntroduction
The enchanting allure of tourism, often depicted through the lens of idyllic sunsets and bustling souvenir markets, conceals a growing concern – the undeniable ecological and social footprint of traditional practices within the global tourism industry (Cheer et al., 2021). This realization prompts a critical examination of the industry's impact on the environment and local communities, urging a transformative shift toward sustainability. Our research, encapsulated in the title “Beyond Sunsets and Souvenirs: Mapping the Green Job Ecosystem – From Drivers to Change to Thriving Sustainable Livelihoods in Tourism,” aims to embark on this exploration, unraveling the intricacies of the “Green Job Ecosystem.” Through this journey, we aspire to envision a future where tourism not only mitigates its adverse impacts but also becomes a positive force for sustainable development and thriving community livelihoods.
The imperative for sustainable practices in tourism has become increasingly apparent (Williams & Ponsford, 2009). Traditional tourism practices, marked by unchecked growth and resource exploitation, have led to environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and social inequalities (Laso, 2020). As we stand at this critical juncture, the Green Job Ecosystem emerges as a promising solution, offering a paradigm where tourism can actively contribute to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable economic development (Susila et al., 2024).
Our research objectives are framed in response to this imperative. With the overarching goal of constructing a comprehensive conceptual model, we draw inspiration from the works of Arnedo et al. (2021), Stanef-Puică et al. (2022), and Boiko (2020), aiming to dissect the intricate threads of the Green Job Ecosystem. This includes an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted relationships between environmental awareness, policy support, technological innovation, job types, skill requirements, and community engagement. Our methodological approach is anchored in a rigorous conceptual framework, enriched by insights from prominent scholars such as Ma et al. (2021).
The conceptual model we intend to develop seeks to unravel a dynamic tapestry, illustrating how various elements intricately interconnect to shape the emergence and impact of green jobs in tourism. Our model analyses the intricate interaction of environmental, economic, and social aspects to predict a future in which tourism goes beyond temporary enjoyment and instead forms a mutually beneficial relationship with sustainability. (Aktaş et al., 2022; Moghavvemi et al., 2021). As we embark on this intellectual journey, we extend an invitation to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to join us in testing the proposed conceptual framework empirically. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to refine the contours of this framework, contributing to a future where tourism flourishes in vibrant harmony with sustainability, rewriting the narrative for the benefit of both destination and resident alike.
Problem Statement
The global tourism industry, while a vital contributor to economic growth and cultural exchange, faces an increasingly urgent problem: the unsustainability of traditional practices that cast profound ecological and social implications (Bennett, 2019). As identified by Mejjad et al. (2022), unchecked tourism growth has led to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and a growing socio-economic divide in destination communities. Furthermore, Tavarez (2021) highlight the need for a fundamental reevaluation of tourism's impact on cultural heritage and local traditions, which often face erosion in the face of mass tourism. The Green Job Ecosystem emerges as a potential solution, as indicated by Aktaş et al. (2022), offering a framework that aligns tourism practices with sustainable development goals. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the drivers, characteristics, and impacts of green jobs within this ecosystem hinders the industry's ability to transition into a more sustainable and equitable future. This research addresses this critical gap by delving into the nuanced dynamics of the Green Job Ecosystem, aiming to construct a conceptual model that not only illuminates these intricacies but also proposes actionable research propositions to guide future empirical investigations.