The unrealisable dream of sustainable tourism: Niue

Abstract

Tourism has developed into a vital element of many micro island states. Their limited resource base, problems in achieving permanent air links, securing a viable population have led to a particularly strong reliance on the international tourism trade. In many cases, sustainable tourism forms are promoted as a solution especially to their socio-economic situation. The case study area, Niue, is such a small micro-island. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role tourism has on the effectiveness of sustainable tourism to help to protect local environment, sustain local economies and preserve local cultures.