Evaluating the business case for investment in the resilience of the tourism sector of small island developing states

Abstract

This study evaluated the business case for investment in the resilience of the tourism sector in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). As such, it offers: 1) a greater understanding of the root causes of destination vulnerability and risk using a cross-regional, comparative case study approach; and 2) a qualitative evaluation of the business case for investment in the resilience of SIDS tourism. Semi-structured interviews with 80 private and public sector stakeholders in the Caribbean, Pacific and AIMS regions revealed that some private sector stakeholders already self-regulate based on individual evaluations of a variety of tangible and less tangible benefits. More research is needed to develop the economic and financial rationale that may possibly encourage greater private sector investment in DRR, as well as, create a supportive and enabling national economic context for resilient tourism investment.