SUSTAINABLE ISLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE GREEK AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

My research explores the Greek and Pacific islands’ culture, and how sustainable practices can be implemented in environmental and cultural aspects, with ecotourism and cultural entrepreneurship, in alignment with UNWTO’s SDGs 11 and 12. I interviewed stakeholders from both Greece and the Pacific that identify as locals and businesses. I also reviewed current government initiatives that relate to sustainability and tourism. The insights I gathered brought to the forefront some recurring problems and concerns that have either not been addressed, or the current solutions have not been working or been implemented efficiently. My interviews with businesses and locals from both regions, tourism industry and sustainability experts, provided me with resources and solutions that could be useful based on their experience. I have accumulated all their insights along with useful information from my secondary research to create a tourism consultation with steps for aspiring cultural tourism entrepreneurs to start their tourism business and incorporate to their business plan to help towards eliminating these recurring problems for the betterment of their island communities.