Tourism development in small island states : from MIRAB to TouRAB?

Abstract

Many islands, in particular those situated in vast oceans as stepping stones or outposts, are characterized by the elements which Bertram and Watters (1985 and 1986) ascribed to MIRAB societies, where MIRAB stands for Migration, Remittances, Aid and Bureaucracy. They were describing the features of island states in free association with New Zealand, but these characteristics can also be found in other small island states. Although relatively stable politically and socially, MIRAB states are considered highly subsidized economies which rely heavily on the metropolitan-determined framework for their existence. They do not appear to be very determined to pursue a sound and far-sighted population policy, for instance, but instead 'export' their population 'surplus'. The emigrants, whether permanent or temporary, assist their families with remittances, the amounts of which may contribute a considerable share to the revenues of such societies.