Yachting tourism's contribution to the Caribbean's social economy and environmental stewardship
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
ISSN: 1755-4217
Article publication date: 20 April 2023
Issue publication date: 28 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This viewpoint article aims to explore yachting tourism in the Caribbean to understand its contribution to the economic and social well-being of stakeholders. In terms of the overall marine tourism offering, several Caribbean countries have designated a yachting tourism industry as being part and parcel of tourism development, while other countries have focused on cruise tourism. This viewpoint article argues for supporting the development of the yachting tourism industry in small islands since yachting tourism has a potentially positive impact on the tourism industry overall.
Design/methodology/approach
Descriptive case studies were conducted in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to compare the contributions of the yachting tourism industry. Secondary data sources were utilized to derive the information by analyzing relevant newspaper articles, tourism statistics, books and journal articles.
Findings
The Caribbean continues to benefit from a yachting tourism industry with prominent yachting destinations in the Northern Caribbean of the archipelago of islands. The yachting tourism industry has proven to be resilient, and yachting visitors may also integrate within local communities and support several economic activities.
Practical implications
One potential practical implication is the adoption of policies that support the growth of the yachting tourism industry. Another practical implication is overcoming the challenges of the yachting tourism industry by adopting certain management solutions.
Originality/value
The value of the viewpoint article is to derive a greater contribution from marine tourism activities in the Caribbean. Tourism policies and plans should consider the growth of the yachting industry as an integral part of tourism development and somewhat shift focus from the dominant cruise tourism sector.
Keywords
Citation
Walker, T.B., Rolle, S. and McLeod, M. (2023), "Yachting tourism's contribution to the Caribbean's social economy and environmental stewardship", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 422-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2023-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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