Tourism and Crime in the Caribbean: A case study of St Lucia

Abstract

This research investigates whether the frequency of crime in the Caribbean island of St Lucia has an effect on tourist arrivals to the island and whether there is a relationship between the two. The study examines the frequency of crime in St Lucia and tourist arrivals on the island during the period 1996 to 2004 and proceeds to analyse the data in an attempt to establish a relationship between the two variables. It also investigates the types of crimes that were perpetrated against tourists and whether tourists were victimised more than citizens. Secondary analysis was utilised to analyse the raw police crime data and then further statistical analyses were conducted on the data. The research findings have indicated that citizens are more likely to be affected by crime on the island than tourists. Study results also reveal that property related crimes, such as stealing and house/hotel breaking, are the main types of crime perpetrated against tourists. Additionally, it was discovered that most of the crimes against tourists are perpetrated in the north, north‐western and south‐western sections of the island which is where the island's main tourism infrastructure is located. The frequency of crime in St Lucia has the potential to have a significant negative impact on the tourism industry and as such, the study concludes by making a number of recommendations that are based on the research findings, as well as what is currently being prescribed by other Caribbean countries.