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Abstract

Small, remote island communities often share problems of isolation and limited natural
resources to sustain a viable economy, consequently many have sought to diversify into the
tourism industry. The Aboriginal community of Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, has very
limited economic activities and is considering tourism ventures. Sustainable island tourism
may provide important economic, social and cultural opportunities to stimulate selfsufficiency,
community cohesion, cultural preservation, as well as self-determination and
empowerment for the Aboriginal community. The aim of the research was to analyse how
the Cape Barren Island community could develop sustainable island tourism. The research
pathway was directed by ascertaining the natural and cultural values on the island and
identifying and assessing the opportunities, benefits, issues and constraints for the
community to develop sustainable island tourism. A qualitative research approach was
employed which incorporated the concept of triangulation. Semi-structured interviews, a
focus group and field observations were conducted on Cape Barren Island. Key informant
interviews representing the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and the tourism industry
provided an overview of the issues and constraints surrounding indigenous tourism
development in a Tasmanian context. From the research a number of themes developed: 1)
accessibility, 2) infrastructure and natural resources, 3) land ownership and control, 4)
community cohesion, 5) human resources, 6) skills, training and capacity building, 7)
traditional skills and knowledge, 8) funding and costs, 9) cultural awareness and product, 10)
authenticity and interpretation, and 11) seasonality and exogenously driven forces. There is
the potential for the community to develop sustainable island tourism which could provide
significant economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits and opportunities, however,
a number of issues and constraints would have to be overcome. Recommendations were
presented from the research to assist the community in developing sustainable island
tourism.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Binding, CE
Keywords:	Tourism, Ecotourism, Business enterprises, Aboriginal Tasmanian
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2007 the Author
Additional Information:	Thesis (MAppSc)--University of Tasmania, 2008. Includes bibliographical references
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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