Luxury sustainable tourism in Small Island Developing States surrounded by coral reefs

Abstract

The environment of small islands makes them favorable locations for luxury resorts and these play a significant role in the economic development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). However, these resorts provide activities and services that can affect the islands' ecosystems and thus, a way to make luxury and sustainability compatible must be found. The main purpose of this study is to detect patterns for sustainability in SIDS surrounded by reefs from the conceptual framework of sustainable tourism. The study is based on a survey responded by 61 deluxe resorts in French Polynesia, the Seychelles and the Maldives. Responses were analyzed statistically to compare and group this population. Two important conclusions can be inferred from the results obtained in this analysis: a) luxury can go hand in hand with sustainability in the three SIDS and b) there is a pattern in their sustainability behavior based on how resorts manage sustainability and their willingness to improve environmental practices, and even sacrifice some activities and services, whether they have an environmental certification or not. The results of this study may contribute to the academic knowledge of environmental patterns in luxury SIDS destinations. Many studies have confirmed that possessing eco-labels and standards are a good reason to call tourism sustainable. However, this study proves that to achieve a sustainable target certain activities must be sacrificed. In addition, we provide advice to deluxe resorts that would like to be more sustainable and background information to policymakers which should help to find ways to enhance public environmental policies.