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Impact of Political Coups on Fijian Ecotourism

Apr 14, 2025

How do political coups disrupt Fiji's tourism? Impact assessment on ecotourism at Koroyanitu National Heritage Park (KNHP), Abaca

Authors

  • Sakul Kundra
  • Mumtaz Alam
  • Mohammad Afsar Alam

Keywords

  • Coups
  • Democratic government
  • Ecotourism
  • Fijian nationalism
  • Political impact
  • Post-coup recovery
  • KNHP
  • Fiji

Abstract

  • The study explores the impact of political coups on ecotourism in Fiji, specifically at KNHP, Abaca.
  • Comparative analysis of ecotourism vs. mass tourism post-coup recovery.
  • Uses both empirical and non-empirical methods, including interviews and data analysis.
  • Suggests ecotourism projects can succeed under stable, democratic governance.

Introduction

  • Tourism is influenced by political stability and security.
  • Fiji has experienced four significant political coups affecting its image as a tourist destination.
  • Shift towards sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, due to negative impacts on mass tourism.

Study Area

  • KNHP located in Lautoka, Western Viti Levu, spans 250 km².
  • Land protected by local chiefs and later turned into a heritage park in 1993.
  • Supported by various stakeholders and foreign donors.

Literature Review

Impact of Fiji's Political Upheavals on Mass Tourism

  • Mass tourism emerged in the 1960s, facing issues by mid-1980s due to political instability.
  • Four coups led to negative impacts on tourism through international sanctions and travel advisories.
  • Political instability directly impacts Fiji's tourist economy, affecting arrivals and revenue.

Methods

  • Utilizes primary quantitative data and secondary literature.
  • Analysis includes interviews and review of tourism records from Abaca.
  • Data analyzed using statistical techniques and regression analysis.

Results

Tourism and Ecotourism: A Comparative Analysis

  • Negative consequences of mass tourism led to ecotourism as an alternative.
  • Observations show a rise in ecotourism until the 2000 coup, with recovery post-coup.
  • After 2006 coup, a decline observed due to sanctions and political instability.
  • Democratic periods correlate with increased ecotourism and revenue.

Unit Root Test

  • Analysis confirms a significant positive relationship between visitors and revenue.

Post-Coup Recovery Assessment: Resilient Ecotourism

  • Abaca showed rapid ecotourism recovery after the 2000 coup but a slower recovery post-2006.
  • Recovery periods in ecotourism linked with democratic governance.

Discussion

  • Counters previous arguments on the failure of ecotourism projects in Fiji.
  • Highlights the importance of democratic governance for ecotourism success.

Conclusion

  • Ecotourism will not replace mass tourism but complements it by offering sustainable alternatives.
  • Political stability is crucial for ecotourism development in Fiji.

Declarations

  • Authors: Sakul Kundra, Mumtaz Alam, Mohammad Afsar Alam
  • Funded by Fiji National University, Project Code URPC102.
  • No conflict of interest declared.

References

  • Lists numerous studies and sources on Fiji's tourism and political landscape.

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