https://theconversation.com/resistance-to-mega-tourism-is-rising-in-the-south-pacific-but-will-governments-put-words-into-action-201071
Pacific destinations are experiencing a gradual return of Australian and New Zealand tourists after COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Tourism in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands, which was heavily impacted by the pandemic, is slowly recovering.
Discussions have emerged at various levels, from governments to grassroots operators, about the need for alternative and sustainable tourism models.
The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leaders Summit in 2022 resulted in a regional commitment to promote sustainable tourism and foster fairer relationships with tourism partners.
Vanuatu has prioritized "destination wellbeing" in its tourism recovery and launched a Sustainable Tourism Strategy during the pandemic.
Opposition to large-scale developments, such as a Chinese mega-project in Fiji, highlights concerns about environmental impact and authenticity.
Some Pacific countries are resisting a return to mass tourism due to environmental concerns and the strain on local resources and communities.
Local voices are being heard in debates about the future of Pacific tourism, but the challenge lies in balancing economic pressures with environmental and cultural protection.
The success of sustainable tourism initiatives will depend on whether Pacific governments can withstand pressure from cruise operators, commercial interests, and large hotels seeking profit.
While the pandemic pause showed improvements in the natural environment and local wellbeing, prioritizing these factors over profits and tax revenue remains untested as tourism rebounds.
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