Tourism Development in Small Island Developing States

Tourism Development in Small Island Developing States examines the evolution of tourism planning and development models and their applicability to SIDS, and presents the Integrated Development Model for Small Island Developing States (MDIS-STP), an innovative framework that positions tourism as one component of a diversified development strategy alongside agriculture, the blue economy and logistics services.

Based on original doctoral research conducted in São Tome and Príncipe, it demonstrates how integrating tourism with agriculture, the blue economy and logistics services can foster more resilient, inclusive and sustainable development. Combining a critical review of tourism development theory with extensive empirical research, the book makes both conceptual and practical contributions. It analyses the evolution of tourism planning models, from enclave and resort-based development to community-based and sustainable tourism approaches, and evaluates their applicability to the specific context of SIDS. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and focus groups with government officials, tourism operators, NGOs and academic specialists, it develops the MDIS-STP framework by building on and extending Dredge's (1999) tourism planning model. The resulting multi-sectoral governance framework integrates tourism with agriculture, the blue economy and logistics services, providing policymakers and practitioners with a practical blueprint for economic diversification and sustainable island development.

This book is intended for academics, postgraduate students and researchers in tourism, development, island studies and sustainability. It will also be of value to policymakers, destination managers, development agencies and international organisations seeking evidence-based approaches to tourism planning, economic diversification and sustainable development in SIDS