Island tourism and Covid-19: Butlers tourism area life cycle, culture and SWOT analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this current research is to study island tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A unique island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the Arctic region, was chosen to analyse island tourism. It is a European country, Iceland, located near the North Pole, at the "top of the world". In contrast to the well-known concept of sand island tourism, Iceland can be said to offer snow island tourism. In this remote area, the economic slowdown became noticeable somewhat later than in other regions of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology chosen to be presented in this study involves the use of a SWOT analysis to help clarify business strategy, applied to shed light on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a small open economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on island tourism, with a tourist destination located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, almost equidistant from the US and Europe. The tourism industry in Iceland has grown substantially in recent years and has become the most important sector of the Icelandic economy in recent years, generating significant foreign exchange earnings for the country. In this analysis, tourism exports are presented as a share of GDP in line with international economic theories. Additionally, the country case study is considered in conjunction with the Butlers Tourism Area life cycle and culture in the analysis. The results of the SWOT analysis indicate that, when considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the market, the overall growth potential of the market is significant. Practical implications include the need to strengthen the infrastructure further to best supply tourism opportunities. New opportunities are seen in online advertising, social media, digital marketing, food culture and historical culture, as well as sustainable and renewable resources. In addition, more attractions and pedestrian areas, as well as improved ski resorts. The value / originality of this study is somewhat unique, as it analyses island tourism, showing the successful development of tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic on remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, the summary and conclusions provide an overview and suggestions to consider when looking for ways to successfully promote tourism in the post-COVID crisis market.