Sustinable tourism development in small Island developing states.Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as a case study

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the current tourism development in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by using sustainable tourism indicators. In the theoretical framework, the emergency of sustainable development in the tourism sector is discussed, and the importance of this concept in small islands is pointed out. The characteristics and impact of tourism development in small islands are described.Three dimensions of the concept in tourism development, as viable tourist industry within the context of the overall economy, equitable distribution of the financial and social benefits of tourism within the local economy and preserving and enhancing the quality of the environment are discussed. Different approaches to sustainable tourism are described. Specifically, thematic policies and strategies are determined for small islands.The indicators for sustainable tourism are examined for the assessment of TRNC tourism development from sustainable development perspective. Moreover, they compare with Malta and Southern Cyprus.