The clue is in its name. Travel & tourism’s fatal flaw is its total reliance on freedom of movement. Lockdowns and border closures in response to COVID-19 have blindsided tourism-dependent economies and devastated livelihoods. In this “Good Tourism” Insight, sustainable tourism consultant Angelo Sciacca argues that now is a good time for the stakeholders of small island destinations to build resilience via the principles and practices of the circular economy.
The effects of tourism are felt most acutely in small island destinations. It is no surprise then that these territories have suffered the most from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the loss of many livelihoods.
In this article I will argue that by adopting circular economic principles and practices the tourism sector can contribute to the resilience of small island destinations. I will delineate a recovery path that emphasises not only low-carbon green growth but also social growth where communities can build their own capacity to deal with future challenges.
Re-imagining tourism: From linear to circular tourism
The tourism sector is largely rooted in a traditional linear economic model in which resources are taken, used, and disposed of. These linear practices have their own negative social and environmental effects — their “economic externalities” — and they jeopardise the tourism sector’s ability to generate sustained long-term benefits to destinations and all who call them home.
The circular economy, however ... For the full "GT" Insight, please visit https://goodtourismblog.com/2021/02/from-linear-to-circular-how-to-build-resilience-in-small-island-tourism-destinations/