These limitations can be summarised as presentedin Table 2. To sum up, the methods of systemic sustainability assessment are not currently usedin tourism, except in a recent study by Ko (2001) who argues that tourism sustainability can be measured with quantitative
data, suggesting the barometer of tourism sustainability (BTS) model. However, the model includes a significant limitation, namely that the BTS fails to explain the level of sustainability of individual indicators, although it may be useful in presenting a comprehensive level of sustainability in a specific tourist facility or destination. This situation that lacks appropriate assessment tools leads to the development of a systemic sustainability assessment model to see if tourism is progressing towards a sustainable form of development and finally contributing to a sustainable community. In particular, in the area of sustainability assessment, practical implementation methodologies, rather than superficial approaches, are required. Without such a practical approach, the term STD is likely to become ‘propaganda’ or a ‘slogan’, which is a source of concern for many people.