Hasna investigated these dimensions from three perspectives in his research on the dimensions of sustainability (Hasna, 2007). These dimensions are listed together with the reminder that interdisciplinary variables should be considered socially, economically and ecologically. Voniov and Smith emphasized that the dimensions of sustainability should be considered within a total system framework and should not be considered independently of each other (Voinov & Smith, 2008). They have laid out the dimensions that Hasna revealed in his research. Lozano and Huisingh (2011), Holmberg (1992), and Kade (2012) have also emphasized three dimensions of sustainability. Krajnc and Glavic (Krajnc & Peter, 2005) have emphasized economic, environmental and social dimensions in their research of companies focusing on improving their performances. Considering current research, the dimensions of sustainability are generally collected under three main headings. This study will be considered environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable tourism.
The most important features of sustainable tourism dimensions gathered around the three main headings are inseparable and mutually supportive. Each of these dimensions will be presented in following subheadings within their own characteristics.
1.3.1 The Environmental Dimension of Sustainable Tourism
The environment, the most important factor for survival of the living, has been polluted and destroyed rapidly in recent years because of uncontrolled human behavior. As a more important issue for the tourism industry, the environment has vital importance for many types of tourism (Katerina & Rakicevik, 2012). Especially for the types of tourism associated with nature, it is the leading cause of existence. Therefore, it is an undeniable fact that the environmental dimension and environmental quality attract tourists (Grabara & Bajdor, 2013). As a result, the environment is the most important tourism resource for the quality, diversity, and development of tourism (Kade, 2012).
An unprotected and undeveloped environment has negative consequences for all stakeholders. Tanja (2016) states that the environmental dimension, which is highly favorable for the development of tourism activities and for the protection of cultural heritage, is not considered by interest groups to respond to growing demand and achieve economic gain. The areas where the tourism enterprises are located in our country and in the world are generally locations attracting people and having high levels of attractiveness (Katerina & Rakicevik, 2012; Kavaliauskė & Kočytė, 2014). These locations are being built up by economic benefit providers without regard to any environmental factor on account of the opportunities that arise because people are attracted to the high material and spiritual atmosphere of these locations. On the other hand, there are many reasons why the relationship with the environment does not go well after it has been uncovered outside the structured image of the businesses discovered in the framework of this construction. The leading reason comes from infrastructure deficiencies (Avcikurt, 2003; Priskin, 2003). Carrying capacity is one of the essential issues when it comes to infrastructure deficiencies.
Carrying capacity literally means that a maximum number of people in an environment can be supported without diminishing the ability to support future generations on the planet (Kormondy, 1996). According to another definition, it can be defined as maximum usage without a negative effect on resources, undesirable effect on local economy and culture without decreasing visitor satisfaction (Avci, 2007). With regard to these definitions, it is not only limited to the environmental dimension, but also includes social and economic dimensions. In terms of environmental dimension; ignoring the protection of the environment for the development of tourism means that a sustainable development of tourism should be abandoned. If the resources are destroyed or damaged in some way, as a result of touristic use of natural resources, the ecological carrying capacity will be exceeded (Mercan, 2010).
Another factor is waste (Garrod & Fyall, 1998). New destinations are created by removing the tourism destination areas from cities. It is extremely important that these destinations be cleared of the negative effects of waste on the environment (Kahraman & Türkay, 2006). In this respect, the most important element is the classification of waste (Kavaliauskė & Kočytė, 2014). In particular, the benefits that can be gained from the recycling of environmentally sustainable wastes can be assessed both at the environmental and economic dimension. Recently, with the development of technology, the electric energy gain obtained from the wastes is regarded as important for regional energy by providing non-renewable energy production. Another important factor in waste is the removal of uncontrolled and unplanned forms. Especially, the removal of food waste from tourism enterprises in an unplanned way may lead to both environmental and economic damage.
In order to prevent this problem, it is very important to create a waste management plan and enforce it as soon as possible. The use of raw materials that will form waste at a minimum level before being converted into a product will reduce the amount of waste to be generated. In addition, it is possible to reduce the amount of waste to be generated by calculating the multiple usage life of certain substances. Another point is that it is economically beneficial to recycle the waste that is created as part of the tourism industry. Finally, it is essential to ensure that the wastes generated be handled by taking the environmental effects into consideration and obeying the necessary rules and bases. Therefore, the state organs and environmental organizations can play pivotal roles in preventing the tourism regions and the environment from being polluted with the responsibility of their operations (Garrod & Fyall, 1998).
Another important environmental issue is energy consumption. To realize sustainable development, energy resources that do not harm the environment need to be used (Mercan, 2010). Especially, the amount of energy used in the hotel and leisure industry, which serves all day, reaches important levels both environmentally and economically. From this point of view, every work that the utilities will do regarding energy saving will return to enterprises in many positive ways. If considered in the realm of the energy sector, it is an extremely costly and labor-intensive production area. Considering the cost of non-renewable energy sources, in particular, it has an important place in the expenses of the enterprises (Kahraman & Türkay, 2006). In addition to the economical damage of this problem, there is a risk that humanity may be faced with difficulty in time due to overuse of environmentally irreproducible energy resources.
Another problem is that the use of energy sources that pollute the environment is continued, and the use of other living things is restricted by overuse. Nowadays, with the development of technology, the use of energy in the environment is planned, and the losses can be reduced to minimum levels. State control and sanctions can be used to switch to renewable energy sources, or the use of energy resources that can pollute the environment can be reduced, and the necessary measures may be taken to reduce the damage to both the environment and the destination zone (Grabara & Bajdor, 2013).
In recent years, the spread of information through social media accounts within the framework of the development of the internet network has increased the environmental sensitivity. Therefore, it seems that environmental awareness has developed greatly among people. In addition, with the rapid spread of information, it seems that environmental sensitivity has gained a significant role in the ability of businesses to gain competitiveness. With the emergence of this awareness, it is expected that the emergence of environmentalist enterprises will both effect economic gain and increase sustainability (Kade, 2012).
