Economic and environmental symbiosis in a tourism attraction: an example from Hainan, China

The private sector in tourism is frequently criticised for exploiting environmental resources for maximisation of short‐term profits. Even when some environmental initiatives are taken, they are often judged to be superficial or simply public relations exercises. This paper, through application of principles and guidelines for environmentally responsible tourism, examines the development process, from an environmental perspective, of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, a privately owned tourist attraction located in Hainan, China. It is demonstrated that with wise guidance and strict supervision, tourism development undertaken by the private sector can be both economically viable and developed and operated in an environmentally sensitive manner. The pursuit of short‐term economic benefits may be a motive, rather than a stumbling block, in the implementation of environmentally responsible tourism practices.