Responsabilidad Social Corporativa (RSC) y desarrollo local en el contexto de las políticas públicas de turismo sostenible

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical review designed to establish strategic links between social, ecological and symbolic capital that will contribute to improving the implementation of local tourism policies. When implementing sustainable tourism policies, local public authorities should include socially responsible practices that target the local community and potential tourists, enabling them to benefit from an optimal environment. Sustainable tourism, based on environmentally-friendly practices, cooperation, mutual collaboration and trust that take into consideration both social and environmental capital, represent an alternative and opportunity for local economic development. Furthermore, it is a means of improving the local population’s quality of life based on respect and care for the environment and local culture, whilst also promoting the municipalities’ resources and social equity. This approach to local tourism policy management is in line with CSR, which will be further strengthened by the resulting symbolic capital. Values such as good governance - and all that this implies -, local government destination management based on principles of sustainability, and a positive and identity-based attitude towards tourism projects and activities by the local population, are just some of the key issues addressedin this article.