Ecotourism in Tonga: How Responsible, and Therefore Sustainable is it?

Abstract

Tourism has become widely seen as the most rapidly growing global industry. Ecotourism however is believed to be the fastest growing tourism segment within this because of its association with 'sustainable development'. Ecotourism is a very recent phenomenon, which has only been considered since the 1980s, so its implications for the long term are unknown. My study wishes to contribute to this new and exciting area. In the 1980s the interest in ecotourism and sustainable development meant studies focused on the basis of good environmental management, prevention and control of socio-cultural impacts, and continued achievement of economic objectives. However, this study intends to look at ecotourism from a livelihood perspective - one which questions how ecotourism can meet the needs of the host population, both in the short and long term. A case study of Tonga is undertaken, where it seems the best development alternative is to opt for ecotourism. My study involved qualitative methods, and I suggest that if ecotourism in Tonga is to be responsible and therefore a sustainable development, a livelihood perspective should be taken into consideration. Conservation programmes and the enforcement of environmental, socio-cultural and economic concerns only make sense if the livelihoods of the local community are enhanced.