There are several environmental planning principles which should be
applied to development of hotel and resort sites. In summary form, these
principles include the following.
1 Preservation of any important or interesting historic, cultural and
archaeological sites.
2 Preservation of any important or unusual nature areas, such as
ecologically important swamps, wildlife habitats, significant vegetation,
unusual geological formations, etc.
3 Preservation to the extent possible of major trees and incorporation of
them into the site plan.
4 Designation for limited or no development of areas with environmental
constraints, such as steep slopes, susceptible to flooding, and unstable
soil conditions; these can often be used for parks and open spaces in the
site plan.
5 Application of principles of functional relationships among different use
areas, e.g. hotels located near or within walking distance of beaches or
other major attractions, centralized commercial facilities, etc.
6 For resort development in rural areas, generous use of open space and
landscaping to create a park-like setting with emphasis on natural
features of the site.
7 Integration of the road network with the land-use patterns and major
attractions, and use of footpath systems and electric car/shuttle bus
service within the resort where possible.
8 Careful site planning so that views and outlooks are maintained and
unpleasant wind patterns are not generated.
9 Special environmental analysis and design of any development such as
boat piers which extend into the water area.
94 An Introduction to Tourism
10 Application of appropriate development standards (these are often in
zoning regulations), including the following types:
(a) maximum allowable density of accommodation units per acre or
hectare so that the site is not overdeveloped and sufficient space is
available for landscaping and recreation; the actual density will
depend on the type of hotel/resort and local environmental
characteristics
(b) maximum allowable amount of land coverage by buildings and other
structures in order to maintain the natural character of the site and
provide sufficient space for landscaping
(c) maximum allowable height of buildings, so that buildings fit well into
the environment
(d) sufficient setback of major buildings from the beach, in order that the
natural appearance of the beach/coastline is maintained, the possibility of damage to buildings from beach erosion is lessened, and
adequate beach area for tourist and general public use is available
(e) sufficient setback of major buildings from roads, major attraction
features and other buildings (provision of public access to beaches and
other major attractions is important for social reasons)
11 Application of appropriate infrastructure standards pertaining to:
(a) portable water supply system
(b) sanitary sewage disposal system
(c) sanitary solid waste disposal
(d) adequate telecommunications system
(e) proper road and footpath construction and maintenance
(f) adequate off-street parking areas with landscaping