Stages of Tourism Economy Penetration and the Phenomenon of Overtourism on Caribbean Islands

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to determine the degree of tourism penetration on 30 island countries and dependencies of the Caribbean region. This tourism penetration is perceived as part of research in two dimensions: economic and socio-spatial. As a result of adopting such a perspective, stages of tourism penetration were determined using two indicators constructed for the research. The Tourism Economic Impact Index (TEI) measured the economic dimension, while the second indicator was the Tourist Socio-spatial Impact Index (TSI). Determining the degree of tourism penetration on these two dimensions was to identify those areas most exposed to economic threats resulting from ‘tourism monoculture’ (the final penetration phase of a tourism economy) and, as defined to discuss overtourism, the risks arising from too many inbound visitors at the same time. The research revealed that Caribbean dependent territories show the tendency to the highest penetration in both dimensions. Further analysis was made into the economic assessment of the phenomenon of ‘tourism monoculture’ and the dangers of this extreme form of export-oriented specialisation in the context of socio-economic development. Despite presenting positive premises, the phenomenon was critically assessed.