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- Follow-up questions.
Oceania is a region which exhibits great differences within the region. Natural and cultural resources, including climate are the main attributes for Oceania, however visitor arrivals are still low compared to other parts of the world.
The region is constrained by vast distances and relatively low level of tourism development in the Pacific. Moreover, lack of inter-regional links, and inadequate procedures cause an obstacle to obtaining accurate data about tourist arrivals as well as spending, which in turn makes the planning and management of the sector highly challenging. This is particularly worrying due to the region’s conservational needs which require intelligent and adjusted tourism operations.
Globalisation has had a massive impact on the environment and cultures of Oceania. Tourism can endanger the environment, provide poorly paid service jobs and bastardize traditional arts (Lindstorm and Lamont, 1993). However Boniface and Cooper (2013:529) argue that tourism has helped to revive the folklore of the islanders and provide new markets for their traditional handicrafts. It can be argued that globalisation and modernisation are inevitable, and responsible, well-managed tourism can be beneficial to small island states and help to sustain traditions and heritage.
Various Pacific states are working to promote informed, controlled tourism that doesn’t undermine indigenous cultures or tip the environmental balance (Lindstorm and Lamont, 1993).
Though the forecasts predict Travel & Tourism’s Direct Contribution to GDP to grow by 2.7% and 5.4% by 2023 in Oceania and Other Oceania respectively, this does not necessarily mean the region is unique in that respect (WTTC, 2013a; 2013c). In fact the trend applies to most of the other world regions, and in comparison Oceania ranks amongst the developing world.
Follow-up Questions
- What are the main obstacles and challenges for tourism growth in the region?
- For what types of tourism are favourable for Oceania?
- Why is it important to have sustainable forms of tourism and what does that entail?