Page 193 - sustainable tourism-- Dr.Aya

‗wealth of a country‘ and include

‗environmental happiness framework‘ in their

measurement metrics to ensure happiness for

its citizens—a case in point discussed is

Bhutan which includes in its ‗four pillars of

happiness‘ the protection of the environment

and considers it more important than GDP

(Ramgulam et al., 2013). Thus Bhutan‘s Gross

National Happiness Index enables it to

maintain a balance between modernization and

economic development while preserving its

unique culture and pristine environment. Their

model of ‗high-value, low-volume‘ tourism

has led to high-end tourists visiting the country

and the revenue so generated is second only to

hydropower in the country. Bhutan as a global

best practice case is discussed in global best

practices section.

Learning can also be drawn from the Japanese

model where regulations are imposed on

areas/landscapes that need to be preserved.

The Ministry of Environment ensures that

agreements are established with landowners of

the area to be preserved. The area management

responsibility is delegated to the nonprofit

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