4.7. Extend BTS and ATSI over time
A single point assessment is not sufficient to arrive at a conclusion regarding sustainability as sustainability concerns process as well as outcome. Determining sustainability requires a sequential assessment process over a period of time (e.g. for 5 or 10 years). In practice, it is anticipated that data will be collected and that the BTS and ATSI models will be compiled from time to time, to monitor progress in achieving tourism sustainability. The system might be expected to move along the axes (in the BTS) and on the circular space (in the ATSI), with significant movement indicated by the tourism indicators. Periodic compilation of BTS and ATSI indicators would provide an on-going monitoring of the destination’s progress towards (or away from) sustainability and changing stakeholder perceptions. Because stakeholder perceptions are likely to develop or change over time, ‘progress’ might appear to be slower than technical indicators might otherwise show.