What role does tourism play in the development of small island nations?
Tourism in the livelihoods of SIDS. As one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, tourism has become the main economic activity for many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), creating much needed job opportunities and bringing in important income and foreign exchange earnings.
What are the main characteristics of small island developing States?
They present three key characteristics: small size, with implications for pressure on resources and limited economic diversity; remoteness and isolation, leading to challenges for trading but also to a unique biodiversity and cultural richness; and a maritime environment, leading to strong tourism assets but …
What will be the effect on small island states?
Sea-level rise poses by far the greatest threat to small island states relative to other countries. Although the severity of the threat will vary from island to island, it is projected that beach erosion and coastal land loss, inundation, flooding, and salinization of coastal aquifers and soils will be widespread.
Why are small island developing states vulnerable?
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are generally considered highly vulnerable to climate change because they suffer from most common environmental problems due to their smallness, remoteness and exposure to natural hazards, though they contribute less to climate change.
Why is tourism important to the island?
Tourism provides foreign exchange and employment in many small island developing states. Global tariff and trade rules mean that production industries are in decline, making service industries even more important: tourism is now the leading service sector in many islands.
What is the purpose of Small Island Developing States?
Improve human health and social development through food security and nutrition, improved water and sanitation, reducing the incidence of non-communicable disease and by promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment. Foster partnership among SIDS, UN Agencies, development partners and others to achieve these goals.
How are small islands affected by climate change?
Small islands are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Rising sea levels will submerge territory and worsen storm surge (high water during storms) and erosion, threatening settlements and infrastructure that support livelihood.
How many countries make up SIDS?
List of SIDS. As of 2020, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs lists 52 small island developing states.
How does tourism promote development?
The most important economic feature of activities related to the tourism sector is that they contribute to three high-priority goals of developing countries: the generation of income, employment, and foreign-exchange earnings. In these cases, long-term programs for tourism development have been designed.