Student Independent Projects Tourism 2014: Sustainable Tourism for Island Destinations: Case Study of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Zealand

Abstract

This research presents a historical and theoretical review of sustainable tourism development with a focus on economic, social and cultural, and environmental sustainability in Newfoundland and New Zealand Island destinations. The issue of sustainability is of great importance to society as we face challenges such as recessions, exploitation of indigenous cultures, and climate change. In this study, the development of sustainable strategies (with a focus on the last 30 years) at each destination has been explored; as well as an assessment of what the outcome of the various theories developed in each destination have been to date. The research determines that creating a more sustainable tourism destination cannot be solved by a single strategy; each destination should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The findings reveal that despite being located on opposite sides of the world, the issue of sustainability in tourism is universal.