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FACTORS INFLUENCING

TOURISM IN THE

CARIBBEAN

Form 5 Term 1

Ann Maureen Samm-Regis

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FACTORS INFLUENCING TOURISM

IN THE CARIBBEAN

1. Favourable climate and weather

2. Accessibility by sea and air

3. Favourable exchange rate

4. Adequate infrastructure

5. Proper sanitation and health

6. Safety and security

7. Marketing and Promotion

8. Supply of tourists / conditions in supply countries

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1. CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Tropical climate: Daily average of

26ºC (range 20ºC – 32ºC)

Absence of strong winds especially

during the dry season facilitates

aquatic sports e.g. diving, skiing,

boating, sailing, fishing, swimming

Existence of Tropical Rainforests

which support eco-tourism (attracts

nature-lovers from around the world)

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2. ACCESSIBILITY

The Caribbean Region is strategically located between 10ºN - 23ºN latitude and 60ºW - 85ºW longitude

The Caribbean is accessible by sea or air to tourists from countries to the north and the south The Caribbean attracts approximately 50% of

the international cruise liners. Many Caribbean countries own and operate

airlines (LIAT, Caribbean Airlines). International airlines also service the region:

British Airways, COPA airlines, Air Canada and American Airlines.

ACCESSIBILITY

The host country has to be easily

accessible to tourists with direct

flights, easy transfers, and flights

and to be reasonably priced.

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ACCESSIBILITY

Airports and seaports are constantly being upgraded to accommodate large aircraft and cruise ships

National and regional airlines are diversifying their routes

Travel agencies provide information and flight schedules

Immigration requirements: valid driver’s licenses, visas, permits, a return ticket, custom duties, health requirements (immunizations / vaccinations)

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3. THE EXCHANGE RATE

Tourists from most developed countries

find the foreign exchange rates of

Caribbean countries to be very

attractive.

Favourable exchange rates make the

cost of their vacations cheaper.

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4. INFRASTRUCTURE

Caribbean governments provide special facilities needed by tourists:-

Airports

Seaports

Accommodation

Transport facilities on land

Reliable infrastructural facilities (electricity, water, communication networks)

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TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM

Transportation is necessary for sightseeing tours etc.

Local taxi drivers

Tour operators

Car rental firms

Public transport

Some countries provide tourists with free road maps at the airports, train stations, bus depots etc.

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Many tourists book their holidays online

so it is important that the host country

makes its products available on the

internet. Communications technology

makes it much easier for hotels,

attractions, and other local services to

sell their products directly to people in

other countries and regions.

Through the internet tourists and

suppliers can supply instant feedback. 10

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SANITATION AND HEALTH

A healthy, clean and well-kept

environment is another factor which

influences the development of

tourism in a country.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most tourists consider freedom from danger and harassment as key determinants in their choice of destination. They prefer countries with low levels of crime and violence.

The Caribbean has a reputation as a relatively safe and peaceful region:

Stable political climate

Democratically elected governments

Good governance

Maintenance of law and order

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

The host country needs to promote

itself in the supply country and

tourists need to be aware of the host

country and what it has to offer.

Detailed information about

transport, accommodation,

attractions, facilities, and costs

should be available on the internet.

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ACCOMMODATION

The Caribbean offers a wide variety of accommodation options. Type chosen depends on:

length and purpose of the visit

cost of the accommodation

services provided by the establishment

Includes:

All-inclusive resorts

Hotels which provide entertainment, restaurant facilities, and tour information

Apartment hotels

Villas / Cottages / Lodges / Guest houses / B&B (Bed and Breakfast)

Excursionists and yachties do not need accommodation.

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FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Tastefully prepared food and beverages enhance the tourists’ stay

Our varied ancestry and our unusual fruits and vegetables have resulted in diverse and delicious Caribbean food. Our dishes are influenced by West Africa, India, China, Europe, and the Middle East

Seafood

A variety of Caribbean rums and liquers.

SHOPPING

Streets, malls, boutiques, duty-free shops, etc.

Most tourists purchase: Jewelry

Souvenirs

Clothing

Glassware

Liquor

Paintings

Sculpture

Perfume

Local crafts

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ENTERTAINMENT

Many hotels showcase local singers

and cultural groups

Sightseeing tours

Sporting activities

Street cookouts

Casino gambling

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TOURISTS BY MAIN MARKETS

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FACTORS OPERATING IN

COUNTRIES OF SUPPLY

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FACTORS OPERATING IN COUNTRIES

OF SUPPLY

Income:

high employment rates, high standard of living, paid vacation, early retirement, two-income families

Favourable exchange rate:

Cheap, affordable vacations

Climate: freezing winters

Accessibility/transport

Marketing: Caribbean governments vigorously market the region through brochures, magazines, videos, the internet etc

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TOURISM’S

CONTRIBUTION TO

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES

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TOURISM’S CONTRIBUTION TO

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES

Foreign exchange earnings

Job creation

Development of infrastructure

Linkages and leakages

Yachties

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TOURISM’S CONTRIBUTION TO CARIBBEAN

COUNTRIES: FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS

Approximately US$ 11.4 billion was earned by Caribbean countries in the year 1993 from services provided to tourists such as:

Travel

Accommodation

Food

Purchase of souvenirs

Sightseeing

Departure taxes

Tips

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TOURISM’S CONTRIBUTION TO

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES: JOB

CREATION

The Caribbean Tourism

Organization estimates that tourism

provides direct and indirect

employment for approximately

500,000 persons in the region.

1. Which of the

following is NOT a

requirement of host

countries?

A. Easy accessibility

B. Quality

accommodation

C. Beautiful beaches

D. An organised

tourist industry

2. Which of the

following is most likely

to deter tourists from

travelling somewhere?

A. Direct flights

B. High crime rates

C. Long flights

D. Expensive taxis

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3. The government

suffers from severe

corruption of officials at

all levels. To which of

the following does this

statement refer?

A. Political

instability

B. Poor

infrastructure

C. Maintenance of

law and order

D. Poor governance

4. Tourists in the supply

country need all of the

following EXCEPT:

A. Access to the

internet

B. Sufficient disposable

income

C. A perception of the

host country as safe

and secure

D. Detailed information

about what the host

country offers26

5. Modern

communications

technology has made it

much easier for which

particular group to

promote their tourism

services overseas?

A. Large multinational

companies

B. Regional

organisations

C. Small hotels and

tour operators

D. National tourism

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6. Complete the Venn

diagram below to note the

factors which influence

tourism development in the

host country, the supply

country, or both.

Host

CountrySupply

Country

Both

tourists aware of the

host country and what

it can offer

Communications

technology,

flights reasonably

priced,

detailed information

about products on the

internet

tourists have disposable

income,

Political stability, easily

accessible, direct flights,

Easy transfers, good quality

and reasonably priced,

organised tourist industry,

advertise and promote,

safe and secure,

low levels of crime and

violence, adequate and safe

infrastructure,

modern telecommunication

strong currency28

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Topic 2 Factors influencing tourism development in the Caribbean

1 C 2 B 3 D 4 A 5 C

6 Factors that influence tourism development

Supply country:

Host country:

Political stability, easily accessible, direct flights,

Easy transfers, good quality and reasonably priced,

organised tourist industry, advertise and promote, safe and secure,

low levels of crime and violence, adequate and safe infrastructure,

modern telecommunication

Both

Communications technology, flights reasonably priced, detailed

information about products on the internet