Challenges faced by Tuvalu's tourism industry

Abstract

Tourism is vital to the Pacific region, playing a pivotal role in the region's economy. This paper develops a story about how Tuvalu – a Polynesian country in the Pacific – fairs as a tourism destination. As this paper details, constrained aviation and local transport, meagre infrastructure and limited activities for tourists all present challenges to the development of a significant tourism market in Tuvalu. This is coupled with the country's overwhelming environmental impediments that include climate change, sustainability and waste disposal – all challenges to the sustainable expansion of the tourism industry. This is particularly pertinent given that the industry would be predominately based on Tuvalu's natural attractions, particularly its astonishing marine environment. This study was based on the collection of interview material with locals, tourism representatives and government officials in Funafuti – Tuvalu's capital and only access point to the country via air.