Sustainability Transitions in Tourism in the Margaret River Region (Western Australia, Australia)

Abstract

Sustainability Transitions Research (STR) investigates shifts in sociotechnical systems towards sustainability. Despite tourism's socioenvironmental impact, it has been neglected in STR. This thesis addresses this gap by applying multi-level perspective and path-dependence theory to analyse the move towards sustainable tourism in the Margaret River region (WA). This thesis identifies a historical transition (1950s-1990s) followed by a sustainability transition (early 2000s-present) as well as complex factors influencing the ongoing sustainability transition in this wine-tourism destination.