Development Alternatives in the Pacific: How Tourism Corporates Can Work More Effectively with Local Communities

ABSTRACT

Tourism corporations are increasingly expected to contribute to the development outcomes of destination communities. However, there has been limited consideration of the capacity of hotel-led initiatives to lead to locally meaningful development. In this article we first consider the place of alternative development perspectives, diverse and relational economies in the Pacific as a means to better understand community priorities. Empirical research in Fiji then examines the development initiatives of large hotel chains using a “Development First” framework focussing on sustainable human development and community well-being. Findings show although specific programmes can create positive outcomes, there is a desire within communities for greater access to resources and involvement in planning processes. We conclude that where engagement between hotels and destination communities stems from a focus on prioritising relationships and recognising local knowledge and development capabilities, there is scope for new forms of development conversations to occur and for development alternatives to flourish.

KEYWORDS:

• Hotels
• community development
• Pacific
• corporate social responsibility
• diverse economies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Emma Hughes http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9762-6074

Regina Scheyvens http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4227-4910

Notes

1. The Pacific Regional Tourism Strategy covers 18 countries: American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu (SPTO, 2014).

2. iTaukei Land Trust Board. http://www.tltb.com.fj.

3. The exception to this is a small number of boutique luxury resorts located in more remote locations which have well-developed CSR programmes.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Royal Society of New Zealand [grant number MAU1206] and the New Zealand Aid Programme.