Developing pathways for more effective collaboration between local environmental organizations and the tourism private sector in Hawai‘i

Moy, Justine; Plunkett, Drew; Mosley, Alex; Tupaj, Megan

Student Work

Developing pathways for more effective collaboration between local environmental organizations and the tourism private sector in Hawai‘i

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With Hawaiʻi’s economy so dependent on the tourism industry, businesses have a history of neglecting the environment and culture of the islands in favor of cost-cutting initiatives. The goal of this project was to assist local environmental organizations in persuading hotels and resorts to invest in meaningful biocultural initiatives. Using interviews, we identified existing biocultural practices of sustainable hotels and resorts, analyzed the willingness of hotels and resorts in Hawaiʻi to enact such biocultural initiatives, and evaluated methods used by nonprofits to form partnerships with hotels and resorts. After reviewing our results, we made recommendations regarding the ideal types of hotels to seek partnerships with and the creation and maintenance of meaningful relationships.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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