Blue Tourism in Islands and Small Tourism-Dependent Coastal States

Abstract

Small island developing states and small tourism-dependent coastal states have been the most gravely impacted by global climate and COVID-19 pandemic crises and are expected to face even greater economic and social challenges in the years to come. While information and research on sustainable and blue tourism in small island developing states (SIDS) does exist, it is hard to find, difficult to analyze, and challenging to turn into policy guidance. This guidance note is a synthesis of findings from a literature review of the inventory of blue tourism resources, consumer market research, and tourism trend monitoring undertaken by the World Bank global tourism team since the start of COVID-19. It begins with an assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on SIDS by region. The note includes a practical summary of COVID-19 recovery pathways that will help SIDS develop more competitive and sustainable tourism sectors, combining knowledge from international and regional agencies. Illustrated with real-world examples from SIDS, the guidance note incorporates best practices and lessons learned on reopening to tourism over three phases: short term, medium-term and longer-term sustainability, before presenting some strategic pathways for 'Building Back Bluer'. The note ends by introducing the Blue Tourism Resource Portal (a database and e-library of information about blue tourism) and highlighting some specific tools and resources that can address current gaps in knowledge.