Tourism higher education in island microstates: The case of the South Pacific

Abstract

University-level tourism education programmes in developing countries have generally been national rather than international in their orientation. This paper examines a programme which offers an exception to this rule, namely the Tourism Studies course at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Having considered the range of tourism courses offered throughout the region, the paper explains the rationale behind EC support for the USP initiative as a part of its commitment to regional tourism planning and development in the South Pacific. The needs of the tourism industry are evaluated with particular reference to the problems associated with offering education to tiny and scattered communities across the region. The cultural needs and background of participating students are assessed and the development of a course structure and course philosophy is explained.