The Pacific Islands may present a vision of paradise, but their financial situation is less than idyllic. The disparate nations, with a total population of 2.3 million and covering 15% of the world’s surface, are striving to create economies that do not depend on tourism.
When up to half of its gross domestic product comes from the tourist industry, a nation is at significant risk from climate change. If a cyclone hits an area with luxury resorts, earnings could be slashed for years to come.
