Impact of Tourism in the Caribbean

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According to the ‘World Tourism Organization’ (UNWTO), the tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, as it is estimated that by the year 2020, 7.8 billion people (roughly a quarter of the world’s population) will embark on a foreign trip (Bennett & Gebhardt 15). The Caribbean is said to be the most economically dependent on this industry, as the ‘Caribbean Tourism Organisation’ states that the industry forms the “economic backbone of most countries in the Region”(“Caribbean Tourism Industry” 1), implications for what tourism’s affect on the region have arisen and have prompted further research into matter. Since the 1970’s research regarding tourism in the Caribbean has attempted to determine the social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of tourism. Much of the research has found that there are in fact many negative adverse affects, and Jackson’s article asserts that, “Governments often commit money and other resources to support the growth and development of tourism and often turn a blind eye to its negative impacts” (574). The reason why tourism looks attractive (and thus turn a blind eye) to these Caribbean countries is because of “its potential to foster GDP growth, to create employment, to increase foreign exchange earnings, and attract capital investment” (Daye, Chambers, and Roberts 2). This paper will overview such impacts by first discussing a case study conducted in Jamaican resort town, Ocho Rios, with Sheere Brooks discussing the observed social, cultural and economical consequences of Jamaica’s reliance on the tourism industry and will finally look at tourism in relation to capitalism, with Robert Fletcher suggesting in his article that the tourism industry (and more specifically... ... middle of paper ... ...ted Bennett, David, and Sophie Gebhardt. "Global Tourism and Caribbean Culture." Caribbean Quarterly 51.1 (2005): 15-24. JSTOR. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. Brooks, Sheer. “’A Squatter in My Own Country!’ Spatial Manifestations of Social Exclusion in a Jamaican Tourist Resort Town.” New Perspectives in Caribbean Tourism. Ed. New York: Routledge, 2008. 163-184. Print. Chambers, Donna, Daye, Marcella, and Roberts, and Sherma Roberts. “Introduction.” New Perspectives in Caribbean Tourism. Ed. New York: Routledge, 2008. 1-14. Print. Jackson, Leonard A. “Ameliorating the Negative Impacts of Tourism: A Caribbean Perspective.” International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 18.7 (2006): 574-582. Web. November 12. 2013. Sheridath Ramphal Centre For International Trade Law. “Caribbean Tourism Industry: A Brief Overview.” 2011. PDF file.

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