Tourism dependent small states : innovation, adaptation and the search for balance

Abstract

Tourism-dependent small states offer valuable insights into sustainability, resilience, cultural identity and crisis management. With limited resources, fragile ecosystems, and undiversified economies, these states face challenges that amplify global tourism debates. This short contribution synthesises small state theory, tourism development theories, the sustainability framework, the cultural preservation and identity framework and crisis management strategies. It does so in order to highlight how small states provide scalable solutions for global tourism challenges, offering lessons in adaptive governance, sustainable tourism development and cultural resilience. Insights from Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Maldives, Malta, Palau, Samoa and Seychelles illustrate innovative policies in high-value tourism, environmental conservation, cultural protection and disaster resilience. Their experiences challenge conventional tourism growth models, emphasising sustainability over mass expansion.