Are we in the same boat? Multi-stakeholder perceptions of the impacts of domestic resort tourism and sustainability in a small island developing state

Abstract

This study draws upon and extends stakeholder theory and collaboration theory by examining the current state and future viability of sustainable domestic resort tourism in the Maldives. Findings from 1,883 completed survey questionnaires identified a number of significant differences of viewpoint amongst respondents about domestic resort tourism and sustainable tourism development, with some notable commonalities. Residents viewed the impacts of domestic resort tourism most positively, followed by NGOs/associations and media. Though government regulatory bodies were receptive to the prospective gains from developing domestic resort tourism, they were less positive about sustainability considerations. It was noteworthy that resort managers viewed the prospect of developing domestic resort tourism least favourably. The combining of stakeholder and collaboration theories as a theoretical framework to examine domestic resort tourism is a novel and original contribution.