Current Understanding of Social Responsibility and Basic Knowledge on Its Application

The chapter presents a generalized concept of social responsibility and its three traditionally mentioned pillars—environmental, economic and socio-cultural, complemented by the concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). This concept is documented through case studies (ecosystems with endangered species, small island states, cultural destinations, etc.), mind maps and analysis of the more general links between social responsibility and sustainable tourism. These more general themes are in particular change of product quality in tourism, willingness to pay for increased product quality by implementing social responsibility, environmental orientation and environmental behaviour of tourism participants. Selected approaches, methods and concepts of social responsibility, e.g. information analytic approach, systemic approach, regulatory approach, educative-awareness approach, compensatory approach and preventive approach, are presented in a structured way and explained with examples of their application. A synthesis of the findings in relation to sustainable tourism is provided in the section of the chapter “The role of social responsibility in tourism sustainability”, which follows the section of the chapter “The impact of social responsibility on different tourism actors”. Much attention is paid to the application of social responsibility with topics such as human value system and socially responsible behaviour, recommended way of implementing social responsibility, and measuring CSR results.