The Local 2030 Islands Network brings together global partners to promote island solutions and leadership based on shared island experiences and perspectives. .  The main areas of discussion were the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism industry, and lessons that can be shared between island communities.

Discussions focused on the leading question, “how are islands facing the COVID-19 related tourism crisis and their ideas on building back better?” The session explored how islands are responding to the current crisis and opportunities to rebuild a more resilient and sustainable tourism economy.

The session started with an experienced panel of tourism experts in academia and business including Governor Norman Wray, Minister President, Galápagos Government Council, Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs & Natural Resources, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Vanessa Toré, Director of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Curaçao, and Dr. Pauline Sheldon, Professor Emerita, School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawai’i, Author and Founder of Tourism Education Futures Initiative. 

Questions posed and discussion centred around what travel and tourism will look like during and after the pandemic, recommendations on what island destinations should focus on currently such as a renaissance on the unique values of the people in their island communities, regenerative tourism, and communicating effectively with the community on their readiness for tourism to start up again.

Metua Vaiimene spoke on behalf of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation and praised the efforts of our local communities saying, “a positive highlight that has come out of this crisis for the Cook Islands, is the re-establishment of the ‘Puna’ traditional system of managing and monitoring the pandemic impacts. This system encourages cohesiveness and forging our communities to work together to keep our people informed and safe.”

For more information on the Local 2030 Islands Network please visit https://www.islands2030.org/virtual-platform