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.