Abstract for: Transitioning to Sustainable Golf Tourism: A System Dynamics Approach to Regional Planning

Golf sustainability is all about balancing the preservation of natural ecosystems and providing an enjoyable golfing experience while using resources sparingly. Sustainable golf courses improve the water quality of surrounding bodies of water, promote biodiversity and offer job opportunities, leisure time, and fitness opportunities. Unfortunately, sustainable practices are not widely adopted in many third-world countries like Bangladesh. Golf tourism can promote conservation efforts, reduce water use, improve waste management practices, and even lead to smarter golf courses like Le Golf National in France. Golf courses can serve sufficient green spaces for natural habitats and ecosystems but the drive to be competitive can result in the uncontrolled use of fertilizers and pesticides leading to environmental damage. Bangladesh is a novice country in golf and this is the right time to adopt sustainability in their golf courses. This study aims to improve conditions through promoting golf sustainability to protect socio-environmental impacts on society. Three scenarios are developed to promote sustainable outcomes, such as reducing water contamination and pesticide usage, increasing arable land, and promoting tourism and employment. The study systematizes the entire model into an evolutionary learning and organizing framework to promote sustainable golf tourism.