The impact of the environment on the Fiji tourism industry: A study of industry attitudes

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of the tourism industry to environmental management issues in Fiji. A survey of key sectors of the tourism industry revealed that there is a high level of dissatisfaction with current environmental management practices. The study identified a strong recognition by the tourism industry operators of the links between the natural environment and tourism. Respondents strongly favoured an expansion of current park and reserve provision on a user pays basis. According to the respondents, the main constraint to investment in nature tourism is the structure of landowning in Fiji. It is proposed that the impact of landownership patterns on nature tourism in various South Pacific countries be investigated further. Industry preoccupation with the two issues of general cleanliness and rubbish on the foreshore suggest a superficial understanding of environmental issues. The provision of information to industry and to local communities in tourism receiving areas concerning environmental matters needs to be improved.