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Renewable Energy Opportunities for Island Tourism

Renewable Energy Opportunities for Island Tourism

Full Title: Renewable Energy Opportunities for Island Tourism
Author(s): International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Publisher(s): International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Publication Date: August 1, 2014
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Tourism is an important economic driver for island economies. Energy supply, vital for the tourism industry, is still dominated by oil products which increases islands’ vulnerability to the environmental impact of fossil-fuel use, as well as to oil price volatility, which makes it difficult for the industry to remain competitive.

This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) analyses four renewable energy technologies (RETs), namely, solar water heating (SWH), solar air conditioning (SAC), seawater air conditioning (SWAC) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Analysis confirms that the use of these systems can boost the competitiveness of the island tourism sector significantly.

In addition to economic benefits derived from reduced energy costs, a transition to renewable energy can reinforce sustainable tourism marketing strategies, which can increase tourist arrivals and allow for higher room rates. Accelerated deployment of renewables also improves the well-being of island communities by reducing air and water pollution from fossil-fuel combustion and spillages, along with creating employment opportunities.

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