This action research is focused on the concept of sustainable development applied to tourism. It starts with an analysis of fundamental texts in order to know the essence of sustainability. It goes on analysing the taking into account of this concept by the tourism-concerned stakeholders. It ends with operational recommendations in order to facilitate the appropriation and application of this concept, relying on various experiments taken within territories, businesses and training courses. This research sounded useful, for we are aware of the worsening of environmental and social problems on the planet and of the part of responsibility taken by the tourism activity. It seemed useful, since we have observed, over 15 years experience that stakeholders work to develop new forms of tourism, less predatory for environment and socially more performing. Unluckily, those initiatives often remain fragile, marginal and marginalised. The reasons are varied. The most fundamental one for us is a lack of know-how in making them stronger, more numerous, more significant. This know-how implies a change in culture and practices, and the application of values linked to universalism, at the service of stimulation and autonomy, in a generalized logic of cooperation. Economy is not left aside in this research. Today, tourism in France is losing in competitiveness, basing itself on standards and norms, therefore generating a frenetic concurrence between destinations and businesses. It is time to change the development model in order to favour a diffuse, diversified, creative and inspired offer relying on values and territorial resources, able to respond to both tourists and citizens expectations.STAR
