Developing a transformative tourism model for the Pacific Islands
In Pacific Island contexts, this 色情网站n Research Council funded project (2022-2025) aims to develop with our in-country partners, and disseminate through our regional partners, alternative models of tourism that balance economic, social and environmental objectives. In so doing, this outreach project expects to co-create new knowledge in tourism and sustainable development by drawing on different types of Indigenous knowledge shared amongst project partners, while advancing methods of research applicable to diverse stakeholders and settings. Expected outcomes include an enduring Community of Practice, authentic and impactful capacity building for our project partners and a suite of tools, guides and policy briefs for those seeking to promote tourism that enables genuine sustainable development.
This project supports holistic wellbeing through tourism as a lever for genuine sustainable development and land management. It involves collaborating “with” Pacific partner organisations through a co-design process. Through the Community of Practice, existing and new networks within and across destinations will be developed and strengthened.
ARC grant number: LP200200669
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
Project partners
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) represents tourism in 20 South Pacific island countries. SPTO鈥檚 work goes beyond marketing of the region with the endorsement of the SDGs in 2015 and the goal to develop capacity of Governments and the private sector for sustainable tourism.
The Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
The Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) represents 21 Pacific island member countries and territories and 5 metropolitan countries, and is charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit organisation working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.
Agape in Action
Agape in Action is committed to nurturing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children and families living in extreme poverty, one child, one family, one community at a time.
The Vatuvara Foundation
The Vatuvara Foundation is a charitable organisation registered under the Fiji Charitable Trusts Act. The Foundation is committed to protect Fiji鈥檚 ocean, empower local communities and inspire young ocean advocates.
Mamanuca Environment Society (MES)
Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) is committed to protecting the marine and terrestrial environment of the Mamanuca Islands. MES addresses environmental issues through projects covering education and awareness creation, conservation, restoration, management and monitoring.
Te Ipukarea Society
Te Ipukarea Society encourages innovative, proactive and positive outcomes to environmental problems, by working with individuals, families, community organizations, private sector and government.
K艒rero O Te `艑rau
K艒rero O Te `艑rau consists of Cook Islanders who are passionate about protecting the culture, environment and natural resources of the nation. K艒rero o te `艑rau in Cook Islands鈥 M膩ori translates to "knowledge of the sky, land, and sea".
Project outputs
Pacific Better Practice Tourism Guide (5.6mb)
Practitioner Note – Community priorities for the future of tourism in the Mamanuca Islands (695 kb)
Practitioner Note - Community priorities for the future of tourism on Rarotonga (721 kb)
Practitioner Note - Community priorities for the future of tourism on Aitutaki (596 kb)
Practitioner Note - Community priorities for the future of tourism on Mitiaro (787 kb)
The project team
Marica Mafi-Stephens
Marica Mafi-Stephens, our Fiji Research Associate, teaches Tourism and Hospitality at the University of the South Pacific (USP). She holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and post graduate qualifications from USP. Marica has extensive applied experience in the accommodation and financial sector and her research interests lie in ecotourism, sustainable tourism, human resources management, and culture and heritage.
Jack Nafeali
Jack Nafeali, our Vanuatu Research Associate, is an Indigenous elder from Lonailu on Tanna Island. He was among other roles worked for the Vanuatu Department of Co-operatives and Business Development Services and since 2009 has worked part time at the Kapalpal School (Loanialu Tanna). His experience and local knowledge add great value to the project.
Sieni Tiraa
Sieni Tiraa, our Cook Island Research Associate, is passionate about maximising outcomes of tourism for the Pacific islands and its people. This means benefiting residents, creating thriving societies and nurturing and preserving the environment through the concept of Mana Tiaki. Her education and extensive experience within the Cook Islands tourism sector, both in private and public sector, allows her to contribute towards this personal vision.
Mark Ariki
Mark Ariki is a PhD student on this project. He has a Master of Science from the University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago) specializing in sustainable tourism development planning and management. Mark has extensive industry and academic experience and is passionate about empowering indigenous people. His research interest are sustainable tourism development planning, management and resilience in small islands.
Previous outputs leading up to the project
Resilient destinations and COVID-19 recovery
- The Vanuatu Tourism Adaptation System: a holistic approach to reducing climate risk
- Harmonising climate change adaptation and mitigation: The case of tourist resorts in Fiji
- Leverage points to address climate change risk in destinations
- Pacific Islands tourism during COVID-19: Time for a rethink
- Sustainable tourism after COVID-19 - Insights and recommendations for Asia and the Pacific
Improving inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene
- How can improving inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene enhance Suva and the CoralCoast,Viti Levu, as tourism
- The importance of Inclusive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for tourists’ hotel choice
- Using Q method to investigate the influence of inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on tourists’ hotel choice in Fiji
Climate
- An assessment of community-based adaptation initiatives in the Pacific Islands
- Asia Pacific Viewpoint - Marketplaces as sites for development-adaptation-disaster trifecta
- Cascading loss and loss risk multipliers amid a changing climate in the Pacific Islands
- Exploring climate-driven non-economic loss and damage in the Pacific Islands
- Exploring the multiple benefits of ecosystem-based adaptation in tourism for climate risks and destination well-being
- Women as recovery enablers in the face of disasters in Vanuatu