Island Innovation CEO Delivers Virtual Presentation to Falkland Islands Tourism

Decisions being made with regard to tourism on small islands have massive impacts in other aspects of the community, including waste, energy, and transport, and as such, tourism is not just an inherent economic benefit, was one of the main takeaways from a recent virtual presentation from James Ellsmoor, Chief Executive Officer for global island network company Island Innovation, which was hosted by Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) at the HarbourLights Cinema in Stanley, Falkland Islands.

Speaking to more than 30 individuals, many with commercial tourism operations in the Falkland Islands, Ellsmoor discussed how island economies lean on tourism as a key driver of economic growth where other industries struggle to scale, but that this does not necessarily boost the local economy, especially when the effects are hampered by infrastructure or concerns are raised with the islands’ environment.

The presentation, “Tourism and the Islands Paradox,” which Ellsmoor had previously delivered to Harvard University, pulled from examples of the Orkney Islands and Faroe Islands, and compared their tourism industries against the Falkland Islands.

“What is clear is that governance in tourism is the key,” said Ellsmoor, during the presentation. “You cannot change the outcomes of tourism without governance. The tourism bodies or tourism associations have to pull together, and the strategy from government around access ensures the return and value from tourism is being captured.”

“We were pleased with James’ willingness to present this topic to the Falkland Islands, and we think given the attendance this is relevant to the Falkland Islands,” said Zachary Franklin, Managing Director for FIDC, after the presentation. “We’re hoping to continue to engage with Islands Innovation, and find more ways to collaborate, and bring more to the Falkland Islands going forward.”