A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Tourism Models and Metrics in the Hawaiian and Galápagos Archipelagos

Abstract

The Hawaiian and Galápagos archipelagos share similar geographies, economic drivers, and precarious futures. Both archipelagos are located in the Pacific Ocean and their origins are related to “Hot Spots” that created the geological formations. Exponential tourism growth has complicated environmental preservation efforts and is perceived by locals to cause negative social impact. Such social pressures complicate an already vulnerable and over-visited destinations. To ensure the longevity of these extraordinary places, both destinations have implemented measures to manage visitor numbers, promote eco-friendly practices, and support community-based initiatives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the Hawaiian and Galapagueño tourism industries’ vulnerability to anthropogenic stressors. While economic recovery has stabilized livelihoods in the short-term, externalities related to tourism practices continue to problematize sustainable futures in Hawaii and Galápagos. There is a pressing need to further develop sustainability metrics that serve to inform policy decisions. This study presents a comparative analysis of the Hawaii and Galápagos tourism industries and Hawaii Green Growth’s “Aloha+ Challenge” initiative. This study provides a localized assessment of how tourism destinations in the Pacific may consider developing industry accountability and enhancing the transparency of the tourism sectors’ commitment to sustainability goals and progress. More specifically, this study aims to spotlight how the Aloha+ Challenge might serve as a model for remote destinations like Galápagos (and other Pacific tourism hotspots) to track tourism’s impact on human and non-human systems, to inform policy decisions, and to highlight the need for tourism providers to display greater accountability and stewardship of human and natural capital.