Date on Senior Honors Thesis
5-2022
Document Type
Senior Honors Thesis
Degree Name
B.A.
Department
Communication
Degree Program
College of Arts and Sciences
Author's Keywords
eco-tourism; sustainable development; Martha's Vineyard; environmental communication; oyster farming; visual rhetoric
Abstract
This thesis examines the ecotourism industry on Martha’s Vineyard to determine its impact on the sustainable development of the Massachusetts island. As the tourism industry continues to grow, so to will tourism’s carbon footprint. With increasing awareness of current and future carbon emission problems, tourism businesses are increasingly shifting to a more environmentally conscious approach known as ecotourism. The island of Martha’s Vineyard has championed ecotourism efforts to boost its economy while combatting environmental issues. Yet tourism can also have a negative impact on local communities and the environment. This case analysis of Martha’s Vineyard reveals that the industry has both a positive and negative effect on the environment and economy of the island. Definitions of Ecotourism and Sustainable Development are provided, and a brief overview of the history and topography of Martha’s Vineyard is shared for context. Key aspects of the ecotourism industry on Martha’s Vineyard are examined, including transportation, accommodation, services, agriculture, food, and awareness. The analysis produces five key areas of focus for the island to prioritize truly sustainable development through ecotourism: adopt a preservation mindset; limit tourists and lift locals; focus on the local economy; collaborate; promote ecotourism efforts.
In the spirit of promoting ecotourism efforts, the final portion of this research examines the role of visual rhetoric in shaping public awareness of environmental concerns and ecotourism offerings. For the creative portion of the thesis, I have created a piece of visual rhetoric in the form of a video. The short video aims to capture the beauty of the natural environment of Martha’s Vineyard and shed light on a complex ecotourism economy’s effort to thrive. The goal is to raise a level of awareness that forces us to acknowledge the harmful realities of tourism; and connects us to the unique opportunity this industry has, to be a catalyst for change.
Recommended Citation
Henson, Delaney, "Eco-friendly yet unsustainable: the impact of eco-tourism on the sustainable development of Martha's Vineyard." (2022). College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses. Paper 277.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/honors/277
Lay Summary
This thesis examines the ecotourism industry on Martha’s Vineyard to determine its impact on the sustainable development of the Massachusetts island. As the tourism industry continues to grow, so to will tourism’s carbon footprint. With increasing awareness of current and future carbon emission problems, tourism businesses are increasingly shifting to a more environmentally conscious approach known as ecotourism. The island of Martha’s Vineyard has championed ecotourism efforts to boost its economy while combatting environmental issues. Yet tourism can also have a negative impact on local communities and the environment. This case analysis of Martha’s Vineyard reveals that the industry has both a positive and negative effect on the environment and economy of the island. Definitions of Ecotourism and Sustainable Development are provided, and a brief overview of the history and topography of Martha’s Vineyard is shared for context. Key aspects of the ecotourism industry on Martha’s Vineyard are examined, including transportation, accommodation, services, agriculture, food, and awareness. The analysis produces five key areas of focus for the island to prioritize truly sustainable development through ecotourism: adopt a preservation mindset; limit tourists and lift locals; focus on the local economy; collaborate; promote ecotourism efforts.
In the spirit of promoting ecotourism efforts, the final portion of this research examines the role of visual rhetoric in shaping public awareness of environmental concerns and ecotourism offerings. For the creative portion of the thesis, I have created a piece of visual rhetoric in the form of a video. The short video aims to capture the beauty of the natural environment of Martha’s Vineyard and shed light on a complex ecotourism economy’s effort to thrive. The goal is to raise a level of awareness that forces us to acknowledge the harmful realities of tourism; and connects us to the unique opportunity this industry has, to be a catalyst for change.
