Developing and Managing Small Islands as Tourist Attractions

Abstract

This paper considers tourism policy in Singapore with specific reference to the country's small offshore islands which are being developed for tourism. It explains the features of the three islands selected for inclusion in the case study and discusses them as tourist attractions within the context of management, planning and development issues. Attention is also given to questions of resource protection and the promotion of ecotourism. Although the circumstances of Singapore are highly distinctive, examination of the case illustrates the challenges facing those responsible for the management of such sites as tourist attractions, including securing an appropriate balance between public and private sector participation and between conservation of natural resources and their exploitation for tourism. Such a balance is critical in pursuit of sustainability, incorporating economic, environmental and social dimensions.