Tourism Well-Being and Transitioning Island Destinations for Sustainable Development

Jerome Agrusa, Cathrine Linnes, Joseph Lema, Jihye (Ellie) Min, Tony Henthorne, Holly Itoga and Harold Lee
Additional contact information
Jerome Agrusa: School of Travel Industry Management, Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2560 Campus Rd., George Hall 346, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Cathrine Linnes: Faculty of Computer Sciences, Østfold University College, BRA Veien 4, 1757 Halden, Norway
Joseph Lema: Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Jihye (Ellie) Min: College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, University of North Texas, Chilton Hall 331, 410 S Avenue C, Denton, TX 76201, USA
Tony Henthorne: Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Holly Itoga: Hospitality and Tourism, Business Administration, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, 91-1001 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Harold Lee: College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, University of North Texas, Chilton Hall 331, 410 S Avenue C, Denton, TX 76201, USA

JRFM, 2021, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: The unprecedented growth of tourism over the last century has led to increasing concerns over the sustainable development of many popular tourism destinations throughout the globe. High concentrations of tourists and residents, especially in urbanized areas, have heightened this concern with the arrival of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over reliance on tourism has left residents vulnerable to external factors, such as the coronavirus pandemic that has halted tourists from coming to this remote destination. As a result, Hawaii’s overall economy is suffering greatly. A survey was developed and distributed to potential tourists in order to acquire their perceptions regarding tourism and well-being, as well as the COVID-19 outbreak. The focus of this study was to examine practices in tourism that moves beyond solely economics which will allow repositioning in a manner that promotes the well-being of both residents and tourists and to transition this unique tourism destination for sustainable development practices for the future. One of the results from the study reported that the majority of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that testing for COVID-19 should be a travel requirement prior to flying to Hawaii, as well as having an additional COVID-19 test administered upon arrival.

Keywords: COVID-19; island tourism; sustainable development; well-being; community impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C E F2 F3 G (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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