Corona pandemic affected every sector of life. From education to tourism, everything came to a halt.
The Pacific region known for tourism, suffered major setbacks in the industry due to the pandemic. Since the pandemic is over, administrative efforts are directed to bring tourism back to its original magnitude.
The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of the tourism industry to unpredictable challenges. It necessitated the need for sustainable tourism. Many Pacific countries started focusing on sustainable practices to protect natural ecosystems, empower local communities, and promote responsible travel practices.
One such initiative is the coral reef conservation program implemented by Palau. Its main objective is to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s coral reefs without posing any threat to their survival. The country established marine protected areas along the coast to conserve coral reefs. It also limited the number of tourists in sensitive areas.
Palau also needs visitors to sign a passport pledge upon entry. The pledge requires tourists to act ecologically and culturally responsibly on the island, for the sake of the country’s children and future generations.
Similarly, Fiji is also taking steps to promote sustainable tourism practices. The Ministry of Tourism is set to launch a National Sustainable Framework this year. The framework aims to protect Fiji’s diverse environment and cultures while heading towards a prosperous visitor economy.
“The ministry will launch the National Sustainable Framework this year, emphasizing tourism that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. It will accelerate a prosperous visitor economy while empowering communities to partake in that prosperity”, said Assistant Minister Alitia Bainivalu.
She further revealed that the country witnessed a 104 percent increase in tourism from the previous year. This surge highlights the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.
Furthermore, sustainable tourism practices play an important role in empowering local communities. Homestay programs, for instance, not only enable visitors to discover local culture but also allow residents to generate income. Such initiatives empower communities to protect their natural surroundings while sustainably benefitting from tourism.
Sustainable tourism also gives a boost to local businesses. For example, increased visitor demand for authentic cultural experiences in Samoa caused locally-owned handicraft businesses to thrive.
However, promoting responsible behavior among tourists is also essential to ensure sustainable tourism in the Pacific. In this regard, raising awareness about the environmental and cultural significance of the tourist destinations is crucial.
Similarly, providing travelers with information regarding waste minimization, respecting local cultures, and supporting conservation efforts can help minimize their ecological footprint and maximize their positive impact on host communities.
Various volunteer programs offer tourists the opportunity to actively contribute to conservation projects and community development efforts during their stay.
Vanuatu for instance offers voluntourism programs allowing visitors to engage in conservation efforts. Tourists can volunteer with local organizations to participate in sustainable farming initiatives, plant trees, monitor marine life, and other such activities.
