How Islands are Adapting to Increased Tourism
From Bora Bora to Maldives and other renown Islands, undeniably, it is a fact that tourism generates employment opportunities and contributes positively to GDP cannot be disputed. This has and continues to serve as the cornerstone for achieving more economic variety, which raises living standards.
According to?Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation, “Tourism can play a key role in a stronger support to the development agenda of the SIDS considering that the sector is the mainstay for the economies of many SIDS, and that due to the vulnerabilities, the SIDS remain a special case for sustainable tourism development.”
One important factor why Islands are becoming top destinations, is that numerous islands feature distinctive historical and cultural features, including histories of colonization, indigenous cultures, and distinctive customs. In addition to their natural beauty, islands like Bali, Fiji, and the Canary Islands draw tourists for their cultural experiences.
Most of the times, their GDP is majorly generated from tourism. According to the World Bank Group “Seychelles is the most prosperous nation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The economy remains highly dependent on tourism, accounting for 31% of GDP and 41% of exports, making it highly vulnerable to external shocks.” It is only one of these popular destinations.
With preferences of Eco-Tourism, several islands are making investments in eco-tourism projects, notably in areas like the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, drawing in eco-aware tourists. This covers excursions to animal conservation areas, hiking, diving, and swimming.