Climate change adaptation in the Pacific Island tourism sector: analysing the policy environment in Vanuatu

Klint, L.M. and Wong, E. and Jiang, M. and Delacy, T. and Harrison, David H. and Dominey-Howes, D. (2012) Climate change adaptation in the Pacific Island tourism sector: analysing the policy environment in Vanuatu. Current Issues in Tourism, 15 (3). pp. 247-274. ISSN 1368-3500

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Abstract

Tourism is a growing economic sector in the South Pacific providing the region with great potential for economic development. Vanuatu and its neighbouring Small Island Developing States and Territories experience a high vulnerability to climate change impacts. The tourism sector in Vanuatu is particularly vulnerable, and it needs to develop and implement effective adaptation strategies to reduce climate change risks. Policies play an important role by providing the platform on which adaptation can occur and resilience be built. This study examines the policy environment in Vanuatu for its conduciveness to climate change adaptation. It identifies the types of adaptation processes (explicit or implicit) and types of adaptation measures (technical, business management, behavioural, policy, and research and education) and critically analyses the current tourism-related policies for their effectiveness in assisting the sector to address climate change. It is found that the majority of policies identified deal with climate change through implicit adaptation processes and mainly through the use of policy and research and education measures. The authors argue that in order to strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry, the Government of Vanuatu needs to develop and implement explicit climate change adaptation policies for the tourism sector.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) > School of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2012 00:27
Last Modified:	02 Aug 2016 00:11
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5330

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