Climate change adaptation in tourism in the South Pacific — Potential contribution of public–private partnerships

For tourism stakeholders in the South Pacific, the need to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change is urgent and crucial. Adaptation is costly and puts significant pressure on government resources. Using Samoa as a case study, this research examines if and how public–private partnerships (PPPs) may help the tourism sector in Small Island Developing States and Territories (SIDST) in the South Pacific adapt. Policy-makers and business owners were interviewed. The paper illustrates the different perspectives of the stakeholders, and suggests what can be done to exploit the potential contribution of PPP in adaptation. This research also contributes to the body of literature by demonstrating how existing theories related to PPP can be applied to climate change adaptation.

► Adaptation is costly and puts significant pressure on government resources.
► The pressure is even greater in Small Island Developing States and Territories.
► The research shows how public-private partnerships may contribute as a solution.
► It demonstrates how existing theories related to PPP can be applied to adaptation.