How will a Landing Strip Affect Pitcairn Island?

By Islomaniac | August 7, 2007

Pitcairn Island, an island in the south pacific steeped in rich history, mystery and controversy. The island traditionally has not been off limits to visitors but its lack of accommodations and landing strip combined with its remoteness have left it relatively isolated from the outside world.

Pitcairn island However in 2001 the residents of the island agreed to surrender a large portion of heir arable farm land in order to build an air strip for the island. Although construction has not yet begun people are already asking themselves how this will change the island.

As previously noted there are no hotels on the island and the two government hostels are usually reserved for official use. Currently guests can pre-arrange for accommodations with locals on the island for approximately $175/wk (NZD). In addition, guests usually also bring canned goods, books and other supplies that the islanders may need.

I am curious as to what will happen when the airstrip will arrive. This delicate relationship between islanders and tourists will surely be disrupted. How will the economy change? Will the people Pitcarin Island of the island thrive under the new economic influx brought on by the tourists? Or will a few get rich and the rest remain poor? More importantly what will happen to the culture on the island? Although the island has a troubled history the island has developed its own unique history and culture that will surely be influenced by the globalization that occurs with commercial globalization.

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How will a Landing Strip Affect Pitcairn Island?

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