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Tourism has irrevocably altered tropical islands. It is impossible to keep an island completely untouched, but in some cases the tourism industry has done irrevocable harm. Tourism affects tropical islands in three ways, culturally, economically, and environmentally.
Tourism often undermines local cultures and makes them into spectacles. One example is the traditional Hawaiian “hula” dance, whichnow is mostly as a way to entertain tourists. There are many similar examples where longstanding traditions have been cheapened by tourism’ influence. The islands are not taking it idly though, using cultural centers and festivals to celebrate their traditions on their own terms. It is important to support these locally-driven outlets of tradition, because they often directly preserve the island itself, instead of a tourism company.
Speaking of supporting tourism companies, vacations on tropical islands rarely put much money into the pockets of the island natives. When companies build expensive hotels and resorts, most of the revenue generated from their operation goes into the company’s coffers. Tropical islanders make very little in comparison to how much money is being generated by tourism. Witness the slums directly outside resort towns and cities on islands like Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. If possible, supporting locally-run hotels and other tourist businesses is the best option. This puts money directly into the local economy and allows the islanders to support their own businesses instead of being part of an exploitative relationship.
Environmentally, tropical islands are increasingly in danger. 90% of the world’s coral reefs are located very close to the equator, around tropical islands. Pollution from continental waste, heavy boating, and over-fishing can cause irrevocable damage to the fragile ecosystems of the islands. Construction of tourist amenities can also create problems of space for natives to live on and as well as taking away from the spectacle of the island itself. Tropical islands are also feeling the effects of global warming more severely than other geographic locales. Since they are often only feet above sea level, any rise in the levels of the oceans, even if miniscule, can wreak havoc. Tsunamis such as the 2004 Boxing Day disaster cost the world 7 billion in humanitarian aid and killed over 225,000 people. The majority of those victims lived in island communities, where rising sea levels equal a rising threat level. Given these numerous challenges facing the islands, being environmentally conscious while on the islands as well as at home couldn’t be more important. Tour companies have latched onto the green aspect of environmentally-conscious travelers, and now offer treks that try to leave very small ecological footprints. Using these companies helps support and protect the islands’ environments.
Given the triple-pronged threat that islands face because of tourism, being a savvy traveler can help protect some of most pristine environments on Earth, as well as preserve ancient island cultures that deserve to be saved. Putting your tourist dollar towards local businesses also helps stimulate the island economy, so be careful what you put your money towards!
About The Author:
Matthew Kepnes loves tropical islands and tries to raise awareness of the dangers of tourism so it is done in a sustainable way. He particularly works hard to conserve ko lipe thailand and the gili islands.
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