The special attractiveness of islands for tourism

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore tourist attractiveness of islands, particularly small island states. The study focuses on the small island states of the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and also the Mediterranean Regions. This subject is studied from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint, taking into consideration not solely the subject of tourism and small islands but also studying the economic, sociological, psychological, geographical and marketing perspectives. The subject matter is studied from the demand side i.e. from the consumer stance. Studying the demand side will ultimately help plan more efficiently and effectively both in the medium- and the longer-term. In an increasingly competitive environment it becomes crucial to understand what guides the choice of consumers and what characterizes tourist demand. Do factors like isolation, difference and separateness make islands more attractive or less so? Why do tourists visit islands? Is it for the traditional 3 Ss of sun, sea and sand or for other niche markets? Or is it for a collection of niche markets? If one can talk of specific 'types', what are the predominant types visiting islands? What images do tourists have of small island states and how do these vary between the pre-stay, the actual stay and the post-stay? Following the literature review, where both theoretical and practical data was studied, quantitative research was carried out. A Delphi-like technique was used, where experts chosen have knowledge v-.rithin the subject of tourism but also came from varied backgrounds - small island states, economics, geography, environmental studies, leisure psychology, tourism marketing and tourism operations. This range of areas ensured that the panel includes academics and stakeholders and also those who are in between the two areas. Data analysis was conducted using an Excel software package to eventually arrive at a number of conclusions presented in the last Chapter.