Tuvalu appeals to 'climate tourists'

Tuvalu was one of the least visited places in the world last year with only two thousand arrivals, but its tourism officer is hoping those who do come will appreciate the country's struggles.

Paufi Afelee said many visitors come to Tuvalu for development projects and research but some of the tourists who arrive are sceptics who think climate change is a hoax.

She said tourists who see the impact of global warming on Tuvalu are the ones who can help.

"Our natural resources cannot cater for mass tourism. So even though there's a push to increase our tourism numbers, it's more about catering for the type of tourist that can come here and actually learn about our way of life," she said.

"How we're adapting, how we are facing climate change - so that's the kind of niche marketing effect we are looking at."

Paufi Afelee said the development of tourism has to be done within the context of the available resources in Tuvalu.

 

 

Photo: Supplied