Caribbean Tourism Visions, Missions and Challenges

Description

Worldwide, tourism has become one of the most pervasive industries affecting towns and cities and remoter communities. No less so for the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean, for which tourism has undoubtedly been one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. But tourism is equally, one of the most fragile industries, susceptible more than any other to competition in the global marketplace and to the effects of natural and man-made disasters. Hurricanes and harassment, crime and violence present daunting challenges. In this post 9/11 era however, the primary challenge for Caribbean States is to develop a sustainable, competitive tourism product. Caribbean Tourism: Visions, Missions and Challenges examines the various factors necessary to face that challenge by discussing: The role of education and training in the development of the hospitality industry; The Cruise factor cruise ship contribution to the industry; Case studies of the performance of the 4 Caribbean Countries; The performance of the regional airlines; Lessons from another region; Community-based tourism development; and Marketing the destination. Balancing contributions from academics and industry experts, this volume, as part of a three-volume series on Caribbean Tourism, takes a multidisciplinary approach to developing sustainable Caribbean Tourism and provides students in training, researchers, policymakers and industry players with a much needed tool for understanding the way forward for Caribbean Tourism.