Tourism marketing and management in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has long been idealized for its sun-drenched sand and azure seas. Indeed, this area now has the largest regional tourism industry in the world amongst developing countries. The marketing and management strategies underpinning this rapidly expanding industry are assuming increasing importance in policy formation as governments are relying more and more on tourism as a gateway to economic growth and expansion. Tourism Marketing and Management in the Caribbean offers the first comprehensive discussion of tourism in this part of the world. It begins with an overview of the industry and the role of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. It goes on to look at aspects 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 highlighted. Discussion of the impact of US and EC 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 final section assesses the future of Caribbean tourism, and provides recommendations for Caribbean tourism marketing and management strategy. This authoritative account of tourism in the Caribbean is drawn from leading scholars of tourism as well as high-profile decision makers within the industry. These include tourism directors, government officials and the Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.