Advancing climate change and tourism policymaking in the Pacific Islands

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ABSTRACT Climate change poses a significant challenge for Pacific Island Countries. Progress on the three Paris Agreement goals – mitigation, adaptation, and support – requires collaboration across climate and tourism policy domains. This study builds on policy process theories and employs content analysis to assess the extent of policy integration, including recognition of co-benefits and mainstreaming in 32 policy documents from the region. The findings of five diagnostics reveal limited evidence of tourism representation in climate change policies and somewhat more advanced recognition of climate change in tourism policies. Generally, tourism is portrayed as an important economic sector that is highly vulnerable to climate change risks. Specific actions to address tourism's greenhouse gas emissions, enhance adaptation, and create a supportive environment are currently insufficient, but they indicate significant potential for creating multiple benefits across various sustainability outcomes. The paper concludes with concrete recommendations for policymakers to improve the integration of climate change and tourism policies.