Investigating stakeholder awareness of the sustainable development goals and tourism stakeholder collaboration: the case of North Cyprus

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the study is to consider the extent to which the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) agreed by United Nations member states contribute to sustainable tourism and to relevant targets in North Cyprus. The study also investigates how tourism stakeholders in North Cyprus understand and implement the UN’s SDGs.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study with structured questions was used to investigate awareness of the UN SDGs and collaboration between 19 tourism stakeholders from different sectors (tour guides, hotels, travel agencies, restaurants and government) in North Cyprus.FindingsThe results of the study reveal that not all of the SDGs have been embraced in North Cyprus, and that there is lack of understanding about the goals and about the need for collaboration among the different tourism stakeholders in North Cyprus.Practical implicationsThis study reveals many shortcomings in implementing sustainable tourism in North Cyprus. It would seem that only issues that affect financial performance are prioritised. At present, tourism stakeholders in North Cyprus do not collaborate and do not believe that collaboration would, in any way, influence the sustainability of tourism in the region or benefit them financially. Given this finding, stakeholder collaboration needs to be enhanced in support of tourism sustainability in North Cyprus, and in this, the government needs to act as a catalyst.Originality/valueMany developing countries are trying to improve living conditions and, at the same time, protect the environment by implementing sustainable development initiatives. The most common initiatives include the creation of protected areas for tourism development. In this context, sustainable development targets for island economies such as North Cyprus are important.