Island studies and tourism: Diversifying perspectives

Abstract

Islands have long been part of the tourist imaginary (DeLoughrey, 2013), particularly those with tropical or quasi-tropical characteristics (Hall, 2012). Their frequently singular landscape, their clearly defined boundaries, their isolation from other land masses and the cultures that develop within those limits have lured tourists and scientists for centuries. And yet, there is still a lot to be learnt about these insular spaces. Some argue that by comprehending island environments one can understand larger and more complex systems (Bergstrom et al., 2009) and that changes experienced on islands can anticipate phenomena that will eventually occur elsewhere (Cave and Brown, 2012; Essex et al., 2004). Baldacchino (2007) suggests that oceanic islands in particular ‘are useful systems for understanding human-land interactions . . . for reasons that parallel their utility in understanding biological evolution’ but argues also that we will never truly reach an understanding of island communities if we treat them as microcosms of larger continents (Baldacchino, 2004, 2007; Gillis, 2014). Such a position provides a more fruitful platform for engaging with insular territories as it acknowledges the singularities and idiosyncrasies of their environmental and social landscapes while at the same time recognising the natural and social forces that are common to these territories and which help shape their common image as attractive places to visit, live or work. Island studies, as conceptualised in the social sciences, mostly have followed this position and have expanded dramatically in the last two decades. Journals dedicated solely to the topic have emerged, as well as conferences, networks and research entities. One such program is SICRI, the Small Island Cultures Research Initiative. SICRI was founded in 2004 to facilitate communication and collaboration between researchers and representatives of small island communities. The organisation has aimed to research, and assist with, socio-cultural consolidation and development activities on small islands. SICRI operates with reference to concepts of cultural heritage promoted by UNESCO and consideration of island communities as (simultaneously) isolated and connected. SICRI is concerned also to address the impacts and potentials offered by tourism. SICRI involves researchers from various disciplinary backgrounds, from the four corners of the world and its activities are governed by the principle that external researchers should develop their projects in consultation with island communities and should reciprocate such cooperation with appropriate assistance and facilitation of local cultural initiatives. Consideration of the impacts of, and opportunities offered to small islands by, tourism have been key to the organisation and to the annual conference organised by the network. The study of various aspects of tourism has been a strand that has been woven through a decade of annual International Small Island Cultures (ISIC) conferences organised by SICRI; from the first in Kagoshima (Japan) in February 2005 through to the most recent event in Gozo (Malta) in June 2015. Many of the islands that the conference has been held on are significant tourism destinations and annual conferences have included workshops and study visits exploring aspects of local tourism development. A number of key issues have arisen, including: