United Nations Micronesia Working Paper Series No. 4 From Isolation to Opportunity: Sustainable Tourism Development in the Federated States of Micronesia

This paper explores the untapped potential of sustainable tourism in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), a remote Pacific small island developing State (SIDS), rich in ecological and cultural assets but constrained by geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and fragmented marketing. Drawing on comparative insights from successful models like Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, the study identifies structural and institutional barriers to tourism development in FSM and proposes strategic pathways for inclusive, sustainability-centred growth. Key recommendations include: diversifying tourism offerings through eco-tourism, cultural heritage and adventure travel; enhancing digital visibility; improving infrastructure; and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. By embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy, FSM can transform from an overlooked destination into a resilient, high-value model of sustainable island tourism.