COVID-19 & Tourism
The COVID-19 crisis presents unprecedented and profound challenges for islands that are dependent on tourism. It is clear that for many islands, this period offers a unique opportunity to step back and rethink and redesign the future.
Key Takeaways
Specific strategies for more innovative, competitive, equitable and sustainable island economies highlighted include:
Promoting more responsible tourism guided by human and traditional values and a focus on the interests of citizens, including a greater emphasis on partnering between residents, local tourist businesses and tourists in stewarding the future, and greater community engagement in tourism-related decisions.
Supporting economic diversification, including through innovation, re-design of tourism experiences, development of export economies, training and diversification of skills, and greater connectivity and networks.
Identifying and realizing opportunities to support sustainability with benefits for the tourism sector (e.g. waste management, culturally authentic tourist experiences, ecotourism, energy efficient transitions, and linking local agriculture to the tourism industry in ways that promote food security).
