Stakeholder Collaboration Strategies in the Hawaii Tourism Industry

Travel and tourism are concepts that date back to 3000 B.C. with globalization extending possibilities of travel to people across the world. Addressing stakeholder concerns is especially important in promoting the development of sustainable tourism contributing to the protection of Earth\u27s natural resources and long-term sustainability of tourism businesses through collaboration and participation. This qualitative case study incorporated a strategic stakeholder management framework, focusing on exploring strategies that Hawaii tourism industry leaders use for increasing stakeholder participation in sustainable tourism development. The population consisted of individuals across 6 categories of Hawaii tourism industry stakeholders identified as visitors, residents, government or public servants, representatives of academic institutions, tourism business owners, and special interest groups. Data triangulation occurred through semistructured interviews of 10 participants, comprehensive review of archival data and government statistical data, and organizational documents. Data analysis included both manual and multiple systemic coding for each sources of data. Three thematic strategies emerged: establishing relationship management, consistent and effective communication, and partnership programs with a variety of stakeholders. Within establishing relationship management, participants articulated conflict resolution as the most critical and challenging aspect to successful stakeholder collaboration strategies. This research has implications for social change by offering enhancement to relationships necessary to develop sustainable tourism options, ultimately bolstering the local economy while fostering protection of natural and cultural resources