Problems and possibilities of sustainable tourism : the case of the Shetland Islands

Abstract

This chapter discusses the concept of sustainable development in the context of tourism development, focusing particularly upon tourism in islands. It suggests alternative definitions of sustainable tourism and tourism in the context of sustainable development, and goes on to examine the difficulties faced by island communities in achieving any form of sustainable development of tourism. The chapter uses the example of the Shetland Islands in the UK to illustrate how one group of islands appears to have arrived at a form of sustainable development. It discusses the issues identified as common to all island communities in the context of the Shetland Islands, and argues that with appropriate policies and local control, it is possible to achieve at least some of the advantages of sustainable development.