Author ORCID Identifier
Edmir Luciano Santos Ferreira
University of Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
(https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0541-4394)
edmir.ferreira@docente.unicv.edu.cv
João Paulo Madeira
University of Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
Abstract
Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) faces unique sustainability challenges, with connectivity emerging as a critical factor. These nations, often situated in remote locations, encounter significant accessibility constraints and limited infrastructure, which restrict tourist flows and adversely affect economic development. The primary aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between connectivity and tourism flows in SIDS, exploring how connectivity, proxied by geographical and cultural-political distance, influences tourism in these regions. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine whether belonging to different SIDS regions or exhibiting varying levels of development helps destinations attract greater tourist flows, by examining several subsamples. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to contextualise the issues under study and to guide the selection of appropriate variables and methodological approach. The study employs a Panel Gravity Model using data from 1995 to 2021 for 27 SIDS destinations and 123 origin countries to demonstrate the relationship between connectivity and tourism development. Random Effects and Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimators are applied. The findings reveal a clear interdependence between connectivity or the lack thereof, as proxied by time-zone differences, geographical distance, and cultural distance, and tourism flows in SIDS. Moreover, the analysis indicates that both internal and external macroeconomic conditions have a positive effect on tourism flows across the full sample. When the regressions are disaggregated by SIDS regions and income levels, it becomes evident that certain regional and economic factors play distinct roles. Nevertheless, challenges persist, such as high transportation costs and limited access to international markets, which continue to hinder the full realisation of sustainable tourism. Islands that have successfully mitigated these challenges have reaped greater benefits, underscoring the need for tailored strategies adapted to the specific contexts of individual SIDS.
Recommended Citation
Ferreira, Edmir Luciano dos Santos and Madeira, João Paulo
(2026)
"Connectivity and Tourism Flow in Small Island Developing States,"
International Journal of Islands Research:
Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
doi:https://doi.org/10.21427/63jc-hw11
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijir/vol6/iss1/1
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21427/63jc-hw11
Creative Commons License
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