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The purpose of this thesis is to develop an analytical framework that can be used to better understand the impacts of tourism on small island developing states (SIDS). In particular, the framework will address tourism in light of sustainability goals (environmental, economic, social, and political). Because tourism is both a major economic driver for many SIDS, as well as a primary cause of environmental degradation within these states, a framework is needed that allows for systemic, value tradeoff evaluation. Currently there are multiple frameworks and plans for sustainability and development in SIDS; but few frameworks take into account how tourism can further stress resources within these nations. With the framework developed herein, analysts will have a tool for evaluating policies and programs aimed at integrating tourism within a sustainability context.

The Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) share some common characteristics with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including small physical size and geographical remoteness, fragile biodiversity, exposure to natural hazards, high population growth, a limited natural resource base, remoteness from world markets, and small economies of scale. However, some of these features are even more pronounced in PICTs, making them unique among SIDS. For example, PICTs are more geographically remote and have higher population densities than other SIDS. These characteristics make the environment and economies of SIDS particularly vulnerable to external pressures, as recognized in the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS (BPOA)and other international frameworks such as Agenda 21and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).