ABSTRACT
While the economic contribution of the tourism sector towards the development of host nations is undeniable, it is also true that tourism can have negative impacts on the physical, economic, and socio-cultural landscapes of host nations. This is particularly true for the case of Small Island Development States (SIDS). Due to their distinct characteristics and vulnerabilities, SIDS are most affected by the change in climatic conditions. Mauritius is not any different. Fortunately, the island’s successive governments have embarked on a series of policy measures aimed at fostering green initiatives with the ultimate objective of greater sector sustainability, one of which is the promulgation of an eco-tourism sub-sector. However, despite its best efforts, there is the wide-held belief that the eco-tourism sector is yet to take off with a number of supply-side factors being viewed as major constraints to the development of same. To that end, the aim of this chapter is, through a review of the existing regulations, legal frameworks and in-depth interviews with various sector stakeholders, to delineate the various supply-side factors hindering the expansion of an eco-tourism sub-sector and propose remedial measures accordingly. As regards the supply-side impediments, discussions with stakeholders reveal that the main constraints to promoting an eco-tourism sub-sector include: lack of finance with respect to the fostering and conservation of eco-sites; lack of a holistic approach for the strategic orientation of the sector; lack of educational and sensitisation programmes and the prioritisation of returns on investment when making investment decisions in the sector; the island’s topography is not conducive to fostering eco-tourism; and finally, a lack of inter-institutional communication, collaboration and coordination amongst the various tourism stakeholders.
