Author(s)

RICHARD MOORE

Abstract

This paper reports on an aspect of continual research into small island hotel and resort development. Inputted are crucial elements of a consequential literature review linked to an appropriately selected building project case study. The analysis of existing research relevant to the topic correlated concerns flowing from trends of rising tourist numbers set against demands for more unique locations. Concurrently, the main focus of this paper is evaluation of the planning, design, construction and operation of a new tourism resort located on an uninhabited coral atoll identified and considered predicted and actual performance outcomes. Significantly, this 5-year investigation critically reviewed measurable responses to ecological pressures. These were noted in the processes of assessment during and following an initial independent international third-party certification organization’s auditor using a process-based development framework tool. A major driver for the research is the shared aim of several stakeholders involved in associated ‘in time’ studies. This is to ascertain the veracity of specific environmental, social and economic measures when implemented by resort developers and an associated facility management companies. Most actions of these parties are primarily a response to increasing emblematic relevance and exacting government-driven policies. However, many also view broader company (CSR) and community aspirations as factors crucial to the delivering of project sustainability. A primary objective of the broader research programme has involved the engendering of links between theory and practical implementation of sustainable development principles with the reality of development. Another and equally pragmatic consideration was to show and evaluate the use of process tools by those engaged in the planning, design, construction and eventual operation of hotel and resort developments. This activity is to determine their propensity to using performance framework models targeted at achieving sustainable development and improved ecological outcomes.

Keywords

Planning, design, management, operation, indicators, sustainability assessment