APPLYING THE LIFE-CYCLE MODEL TO MELANESIA

This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach to compiling the histor y of. an important but neglected component of development in Melanesia . It uses historical methodology and data and applies Butler's destina tion life cycle model as a framework on which to develop a comparative history of tourism in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The hypothesis is that while the three island nations have many geogr aphic, climatic, and ethnic similarities, their colonial pasts have be en significant factors in explaining why their tourism industries have developed at such widely varying rates. The study concludes that whil e the life cycle model is a useful theoretical tool, there are weaknes ses in its application to colonial and post-colonial societies. Copyri ght (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd