SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable Tourism Development

Sustainable Tourism Development

Introduction

Mauritius is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is normally referred to as the rainbow nation. Travellers and visitors consider the island, set in its turquoise sea, as an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the Indian Ocean. Tourism is a major pillar of the Mauritian economy. Since 1970s, it has contributed enormously to cause economic growth and development in Mauritius (Tosun, 2000, 613). Tourist arrivals have been constantly increasing over the past years and the country is expecting to welcome about two million foreign visitors annually by 2015. Tourism causes changes in almost all spheres- economic, social, cultural, political or environmental- of the host community.

This paper is drawn from an on-going research on the impact and influence of tourism development in Mauritius. In this study, the focus will be on a major tourist area which is Flic en Flac. The main objectives of the paper, amongst others, are:

(a) To highlight the metamorphosis caused by tourism development on the rural community and

(b) To take stock of the influence of tourism on the culture and lifestyles of the inhabitants.

In this study use of both primary and secondary data has been made. Research methods used include document analysis, internet search, field observation, informal talks and interviews with 2 fishermen, 2 visitors, 4 elderly inhabitants, 4 youths, 2 local businessmen, 2 new settlers and 2 community leaders. The qualitative approach to data analysis resorted to in this paper and discussion help to get a better understanding and insight of the tourism development and its impact and influence in the village of Flic en Flac (Timothy, 2008,52).

The first part of this paper deals with a brief review of tourism development and the positive and negative effects of tourism. Then follows, an overview of tourism development in Mauritius and more particularly at Flic en Flac. In the second part, data collected through informal talks and interviews will be analysed and discussed. Finally, a conclusion based on the paper will be stated and two recommendations made.

Tourism and Tourism development

The World Tourism Organisation defines tourism as comprising activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for business, leisure and other purposes. Tourism has become a major industry in all parts of the world. In Mauritius 871,356 tourists visited the island in 2009 and in 2011 tourists arrival has been estimated to be around 950,000 according to the Central Statistical Office. Tourism contributes to the extent of 10% of the Gross Domestic Product in Mauritius (Archer, 2010, 50).

Goeldner and Ritchie (2006) argue that tourism development should aim at providing a framework for improving the living standard of the people through the economic benefits of tourism. For them, tourism development must create the necessary space for recreational infrastructure that provides facilities to both tourists and residents. The local community should be made aware of any innovation or development ...