Students enrolled in the Island Tourism study unit, part of the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies offered by the Department of Tourism Management, recently convened for a seminar where they presented case studies from islands around the world. The presentations addressed various dimensions of island tourism, from the critical role of connectivity in tourism development to the socio-environmental impacts of tourism on island communities. Here are six key takeaways from the session:
1. Overtourism on Islands Is Increasing
Several island destinations are facing the challenges of overtourism, often sparking protests from local communities. For example, Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands, receives annual visitor numbers ten times higher than its resident population. Similarly, Santorini in Greece saw more than 800 cruise ship arrivals in 2023, placing severe pressure on local water supplies, waste management systems, and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the Italian island of Capri, known globally for its scenic beauty, continues to grapple with an overwhelming influx of tourists and day-trippers.
2. Islands Are Repositioning and Rebranding Their Tourism Identity
Some islands are actively reshaping their tourism image. Hvar, traditionally known as a party island in Croatia, is shifting toward a more refined and peaceful tourism profile by implementing strict noise regulations and codes of visitor conduct. The Isle of Man, a self-governing Crown Dependency best known for the Tourist Trophy (TT)annual motorcycle race, is now promoting year-round tourism that emphasizes ecology and heritage, aiming to reduce dependence on the TT event and its related strain on local infrastructure.
3. Tourism Is Driving Both Inward and Outward Migration
Tourism exerts a strong influence on migration trends. Islands such as Bali and Aruba are seeing increased immigration to meet labor demands in the hospitality and tourism sectors, often creating challenges like housing shortages and overcrowding. Conversely, many young people from tourism-dependent islands are emigrating in search of more stable, year-round employment and better living conditions, highlighting a dual impact of tourism on population movements.
4. Nature Is a Major Tourism Draw for Many Islands
For several islands, nature is the core tourism asset. The Azores, a remote EU outermost region, are well-known for whale-watching excursions. Juist, a car-free East Frisian island in Germany, is a haven for migratory birds and supports nature-based tourism. Madagascar, with its exceptional biodiversity and high endemism, attracts eco-tourists seeking unique wildlife experiences. Tasmania stands out with 40% of its territory protected as national parks and World Heritage Sites, making it a leading ecotourism destination.
5. Tourism Poses Significant Environmental Challenges
Island ecosystems—particularly coastal zones—face immense environmental stress due to tourism. Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, has introduced visitor limits for certain beaches to reduce ecological degradation. The Galápagos Islands enforce strict regulations, including caps on daily visitors, designated tourist zones, and mandatory use of licensed guides. Similarly, Socotra, often referred to as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” has limited annual visitors to 3,000 to safeguard its fragile environment.
6. Islands Offer More Than Just Beaches
While many islands have historically focused on sun-and-sea tourism, cold-water islands provide alternative tourism experiences. Iceland, for example, attracts visitors with its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and Northern Lights, rejuvenating small rural towns through sustainable tourism. Suomenlinna, a Finnish island fortress built in the 18th century to defend Sweden, receives 800,000 visitors annually due to its historical appeal. Meanwhile, Naoshima in Japan has transformed from an industrial hub into a globally recognized destination for contemporary art and architecture.
The seminar was moderated by Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino and , who guided discussions and encouraged critical reflections on the evolving dynamics of island tourism.
