Tourist harassment: Barbados Survey Results

Abstract

This first study of its kind presents data on tourist harassment derived from satisfaction surveys of those visiting Barbados between 1991–94. Most reported experiencing harassment, primarily at the beach and secondarily in the streets and sometimes while shopping. Males were more likely to be harassed by drug peddlers, females by vendors. Younger and first-time tourists reported more harassment than those in the older and repeat categories. Types of harassment included persistence of vendors without uniforms, drug peddling, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and physical abuse. The study also summarizes results from informal interviews with vendors, taxi drivers, etc., as well as qualitative observations of host–guest interaction.