Politics and sustainable tourism development - can they co-exist? Voices from North Cyprus

Peter Burns

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Abstract

This paper investigates ways in which political obstacles inhibit the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism development in small-island developing states through the example of North Cyprus. The methodology draws on in-depth interviews and participant observation of significant actors in the tourism sector. The research findings suggest that understanding the intricate political system and power structure in a society is the key to understanding sustainable tourism policy development, planning and implementation. In the case of North Cyprus, policy development was found to be a product of political influence (referred to as ego-driven politics in the text), specifically the use of public resources as an instrument for political power, retention and that the politicisation of the public sector is the underlying cause of the weakened progress in sustainable tourism development. It is therefore essential to have a clear understanding of political issues, key political actors’ interests and how to mitigate personal interests to facilitate and maintain sustainable tourism development in such small states.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 345

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Tourism Management (Volume 31, Issue 3)

Publication milestones

Published - 01/06/2010

Publication status

Published - 01/06/2010

ISSN

0261-5177

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/594760
Scopus: 73449122300

Access to documents

10.1016/j.tourman.2009.03.016

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