In the second semester of 2023-2024, twenty graduates from various study programs worked together in the Urban Leisure & Tourism Lab Rotterdam. Students from Tourism Management, Leisure Management, Integral Safety Management, Law, Business Studies and Creative Business, among others, joined forces to tackle urban challenges.
One of the studies in this multidisciplinary lab was conducted by Liz Peterson. Her project focused on promoting sustainable tourism and local community development in Aruba. Liz investigated how tourism can contribute to the economic growth of local communities in a sustainable way, without negatively impacting the environment or the culture of the residents, in other words without ‘tourism leakage’.
Liz based her approach on extensive literature research and interviews with stakeholders. She established that integrating sustainability into tourism strategies is essential for preserving both the natural environment and the social structures of local communities. Her recommendations focused on stimulating tourism activities that directly benefit local communities, such as supporting local crafts and promoting ecotourism.
An important aspect of her research was to develop concrete strategies to implement sustainable tourism practices that yield both economic and social benefits. These include the use of environmentally friendly technologies, establishing partnerships between tourism companies and local communities, and promoting cultural exchange programs.
Liz Peterson’s research highlights the need for a balanced approach to tourism, safeguarding the interests of both tourists and local communities. Her work provides valuable insights for promoting sustainable growth in tourism destinations, while respecting the environment and the culture of the local population.
