Sustainability and self‐regulation: Critical perspectives

Abstract This paper considers the limits of self‐regulation in the pursuit of sustainable tourism. There is evidence of considerable good practice brought about by self‐regulation in many parts of Europe, and this is illustrated by the example of the Alps. However, even a consideration of the traditional division between individual and social costs indicates the limitations to self‐regulation. The main emphasis of the paper is on exploring how regulation theory can deepen our appreciation of the constraints on self‐regulation.