Contemporary Issues in Tourism: Island Economic Development

This essay discusses the potential benefits of tourism for small island countries, highlighting its role in sustainable economic development and GDP growth. It emphasizes the attractiveness of these islands due to their geographic location and cultural heritage, making them prime tourist destinations. The essay notes that while tourism presents significant opportunities, challenges such as limited economic resources, linguistic diversity, and small size must be addressed. It also underscores the importance of focusing on climate change and developing niche markets to attract more customers. The conclusion reinforces the idea that tourism can positively impact the development of small island states, provided that tourism organizations shift their focus to support these regions.

Running head: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN TOURISM
Contemporary Issues in Tourism
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN TOURISM
Introduction
The purpose of the following essay is to develop a proper understanding of how the small
island countries will be benefitted by the tourism. Tourism has been regarded as one of the
biggest prospects for the sustainable economic development (Hampton & Jeyacheya, 2013). The
attraction for the tourists will be the best way to gain the profits from the economic perspectives.
Tourism and economic development
The researchers have found that the islands are regarded as the most favorite destinations
for the millions of tourists all the year. The geographic location of the islands and cultural
heritage they possess will work as a favorable aspect for the tourists. These small island states
are attractive for their beautiful natural scenery as well (Cooper, 2012). The visitors from all over
the world like the natural essence of these small island states. One of the best examples for such
small island state is Vanuatu. Global conferences have always given attention to the importance
of tourism (Page & Hall, 2014). The main purpose of these tourism projects in the small island
states is the improvement of the economic attributes of these states (Hampton & Jeyacheya,
2013). The small island states are deprived of the facilities given to the mainland states in all the
countries. The maritime environment provided to the tourists will add to the beautiful
experiences for the tourists. The experts have said that the arrangement of the cruise journeys in
luxurious ships will be highly important for the economic benefits of the local natives of the
small island states (Page & Hall, 2014).
These countries are very highly dependent on the tourism for the sustainable economic
development and the constant growth of the GDP. Some of the problems and vulnerabilities that
persist in this matter are the limited economic resources, diversity of language and culture and

2CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN TOURISM
small size of the states (Hampton & Jeyacheya, 2013). These small island states are generally
isolated from the mainland and the economic growth of these countries is very slow. In order to
develop the economic condition of these countries, the governments always stress on the
tourism. The biodiversity present in these regions are very much useful for the overall growth of
tourism in these states (Page & Hall, 2014). The climate change in these states should be focused
since it is very difficult to plan for tours in these regions at the time of monsoon. The Rio+20
Conferences had been arranged for the various ways in which the improvements could be done.
The tourism industry will surely have positive implications on the sustainable development of
the several small island states. Some tourism products can also be sold by the local native people
to show their talent in artistry. The niche markets could be developed for attracting the customers
(Swanson & Edgell Sr, 2013).
Conclusion
From the above discussion, the conclusion can be drawn that the tourism will surely have
deep positive impacts on the development of the small island states. Their GDP will also increase
in this manner as well. Thus the tourism industry will be much helpful for the development of the
native people of the small island states. The tourism organizations all over the world must shift
their focus in this regard as well. .

3CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN TOURISM
References
Cooper, C. (2012). Essentials of tourism. Pearson Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Hampton, M., & Jeyacheya, J. (2013). Tourism and inclusive growth in small island developing
states. Commonwealth Secretariat.
Page, S. J., & Hall, C. M. (2014). The geography of tourism and recreation: Environment, place
and space. Routledge.
Swanson, J. R., & Edgell Sr, D. L. (2013). Tourism policy and planning: Yesterday, today, and
tomorrow. Routledge.