Cruise Tourism In The Caribbean

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2015 in the subject Tourism, grade: 1,9, University of Applied Sciences Saarbrücken (Wirtschaftswissenschaften), language: English, abstract: This thesis outlines the impacts of cruise tourism on the Caribbean islands and looks closer on the relationship between cruise lines and the ports of call in the Caribbean. Cruise tourism is one of the fastest growing branches of the tourism industry with the Caribbean islands as the most demanded and frequented region. The Caribbean stands out in the mass of cruise destinations as it offers the stereotyped perception of paradise. However the islands among themselves don’t distinguish much in terms of their primary offer which is mainly composed of sun, sand and sea. Many islands see the ultimate key to success in cruise tourism and make themselves dependent on the global players of the cruise industry and hereby suppress to take care of other sectors like health and education. Many ports fear to be cut off of the cruise lines’ itineraries if not meeting the passengers’ expectations. What also contributes to this fear is the development of cruise ships into independent destinations themselves offering a large range of services and attractions. Destinations fight at any price for cruise lines to berth at their ports, sometimes becom-ing even uneconomic as their expenses exceed their income. It is clear that cruise lines and ports need to work together in order to gain an advantage from the existence of cruise tourism.

This book explores the lessons learned from half a century of Caribbean cruise tourism; one of the most popular and profitable sectors of the tourism industry. The modern-day cruise industry dates from the 1960s when the three major cruise lines, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, set up shop in Florida and began selling winter cruises to the Caribbean targeting American retirees. For geopolitical reasons, the US initially excluded cruises to Cuba. This changed in 2016, following the historic Obama-Castro agreement to move towards diplomatic, trade and travel normalization. Cuba quickly became the Caribbean’s fastest growing cruise destination. This book considers the limited economic benefits of cruise tourism, its environmental and social impacts, and the effects of climate change, and "overtourism." Based on this analysis and case studies of key Caribbean and Mediterranean destinations, this book cautions against overdependence on cruise tourism and outlines reforms needed to bring more benefits and equity to Caribbean countries. It will be valuable to professionals, businesses, development agencies, NGOs, and academics interested in a sustainable cruise industry and the economic well-being of Caribbean island nations.

This book brings together a high calibre team of international researchers to provide an up-to-date assessment of the scope of tourism and the nature of tourism development in the Caribbean; past, present and future.

The Caribbean now has one of the largest regional tourism industries in the world amongst developing countries. When originally published this volume was the first to provide a comprehensive discussion of tourism in this part of the world. It begins with an overview of the industry and then examines aspect of tourism marketing and management on a region-by-region basis, covering the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Cuba. Detailed analysis follows of sectors within the industry, such as heritage and health care, with central issues such as the intense competition between the cruise ship and hotel industries being highlighted. Discussion of the impact of US and EU policies on Caribbean tourism provides an important international perspective. Throughout, the focus is on the contribution of the regional tourism industry to Caribbean economic growth and development.

The Caribbean has the fortune—and the misfortune̬to be everyone's idea of a tropical paradise. Its sun, sand and scenery attract millions of visitors each year and make it a profitable destination for the world's fastest growing industry. Tourism is increasingly touted as its only hope of creating jobs and wealth—literally, the island's last resort. Last Resorts examines the real impact of tourism on the people and landscape of the Caribbean. It explores the structure of ownership of the industry and shows that the benefits it brings to the region do not live up to its claims. New developments in ecotourism, sex tourism, and the burgeoning cruise industry are not changing this pattern of short-term exploitation of the region's resources. The book shows how Caribbean societies are corrupted by tourism and its culture turned into floorshow parody. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated. It gives voice to people inside the tourism industry, its critics, and tourists themselves, and offers vital insights into a phenomenon that is central to the globalized world of today.

Completely updated and revised, Cruise Ship Tourism, 2nd Edition covers the economic, social and environmental impacts of cruising, combining the latest knowledge and research to provide a comprehensive account of the subject. Despite the industry growing rapidly, there is a substantial gap in the related literature, and this book addresses the key issues for researchers, students and industry professionals. A valuable 'one-stop-shop' for those interested in cruise ships and maritime tourism, this new edition from major names in the field is also an invaluable resource for anyone concerned more widely with tourism and business development.