|
Summary
of discussion on the 'right' type of tourism development for Aitutaki,
Cook Islands, Pacific
Date of discussions: Jan-Mar 2004
Number of persons on distribution list: 15,000
Number of substantive responses = 20
Main
issue
Should future tourism development on a small outer island (Aitutaki
in Cook Islands) be small scale or large scale?
50%
of the responses supported the view that small-scale tourism development,
based on simple island lifestyles, was most appropriate for outer
islands
Related points included:
- three
principles suggested for successful small scale tourism development
were: local ownership, being honest with visitors about services
provided, and remaining true to your island by not trying to
match external expectations
- visitors
appreciate being treated as individuals and as part of a family
- large-scale
development in small islands is often not sustainable and creates
many environmental problems
- new information
and communication technologies can benefit small scale properties
in their marketing strategy
5%
of the responses supported the view that large-scale tourism development
was preferable for outer islands
Related
points included:
- quality
is better than quantity and everyone in a small island benefits
from the trickle-down effect of a large resort
45%
of the responses discussed other issues, which included:
- sharing
experiences and solutions through this forum is very beneficial
for those living in small islands
- in Pacific
islands there is a need for more truth in tourism advertising
and a shift in service attitudes
- some small
outer islands are already over-developed and suffering various
pollution problems
|
