The upcoming webinars on Effective Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCP) in tourism for the inclusive and sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) promise to be insightful and informative events. Scheduled for Wednesday, 17 July 2024, at 7:00pm EST / 11am Fiji time and Tuesday, 23 July 2024, at 9:00am EST / 5pm Mauritius time, these virtual sessions will mark the launch of a new report that delves into the complexities of tourism in SIDS and the potential for transformative change through collaborative partnerships.
The report, developed in collaboration with Compete Caribbean, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Pacific Tourism Organization, African Sustainable Tourism Organization, UN Tourism, and UN-OHRLLS, aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing SIDS in harnessing tourism for sustainable development. It examines the impact of tourism on SIDS economies, societies, and environments, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to tourism development.
One of the key findings of the report is the disparity in the distribution of tourism benefits among citizens and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in SIDS. Despite the growth in tourism arrivals and expenditure, human development index (HDI) and gross national income (GNI) per capita have not seen significant improvements in many SIDS. Additionally, the environmental consequences of mass tourism on fragile ecosystems have not been adequately addressed, posing a threat to the long-term sustainability of tourism in these regions.
The report identifies the establishment of robust linkages between tourism and local economies as a critical factor in overcoming these challenges. Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs) are seen as a promising approach to fostering collaboration across the tourism value chain and building local capacity. The framework for PPCPs outlined in the report offers a roadmap for stakeholders to cultivate meaningful partnerships that generate value for communities and address systemic barriers to inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
Authors of the report, Annie Bertrand and Jordan Hamilton, have emphasized the importance of a collective effort in achieving sustainable tourism in SIDS. They advocate for a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations into tourism destination planning and policymaking. Furthermore, they stress the need for digital inclusion, proper governance, and resilience to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in SIDS.
In conclusion, the webinars on Effective Public-Private-Community Partnerships in tourism for SIDS promise to be enlightening events that will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing tourism development in these regions. By embracing the framework for PPCPs and working together towards a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model, stakeholders can pave the way for a brighter future for SIDS and their communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in these informative sessions and contribute to the dialogue on sustainable tourism development in SIDS.