Abstract
The Caribbean has experienced considerable fluctuations with many of the small island-nations of the Region being highly vulnerable to socio-political, environmental and economic changes. The Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO) contends that this Region is highly dependent on tourism, possibly more than any other region in the world, but globalization has left the countries of the Region with limited economic alternatives. The result is that tourism has emerged as the largest employer and the foremost foreign exchange earner in the Region. This survey research study, data from which were analyzed with SPSS for Windows, explored three research questions and identified the Region’s strengths, assets and issues as perceived by stakeholders at the CTO’s 2010 Sustainable Tourism Conference. People, culture and favorable weather were identified as strengths. However, critical issues such the absence of clear political and policy directions, loss of biodiversity and natural resources, need for more efficient zoning and land use planning for integrated tourism development, and insufficient stakeholder involvement were characterized as challenges that must be addressed. Recommendations are proposed.
Highlights
1.1 Global Significance of the Tourism IndustryThe tourism industry is recognized as a major development strategy for countries and regions worldwide
The Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO) contends that this Region is highly dependent on tourism, possibly more than any other region in the world, but globalization has left the countries of the Region with limited economic alternatives
The industry’s importance as a major social and economic development strategy was recognized during the Rio Earth Summit in1992, when the UN Conference on Environment and Development identified Travel and Tourism as a key economic sector which could positively contribute to sustainable development
Summary
1.1 Global Significance of the Tourism IndustryThe tourism industry is recognized as a major development strategy for countries and regions worldwide. Encompassing transportation, lodging, dining, leisure activities and services for travelers, the travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in the world and a major generator of jobs bringing significant social, cultural and economic, and benefits to the global economy. This industry caters to travelers or tourists who are, as defined by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 1995), persons “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes”. The Travel and Tourism industry was first to launch an action plan based on Agenda 21
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