Analysis of market conditions for logistics services and tourism: a Caribbean perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Pinnock ◽  
Ibrahim Ajagunna ◽  
Sandra Casanova
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Product Structure ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Cruise Tourism ◽  
The Caribbean

Purpose The purpose of this paper is an assessment of logistics services and tourism infrastructure in the Caribbean. The objective is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of the logistics and tourism environment in the region. Design/methodology/approach Given the low levels of implementation of logistics services in Barbados and Jamaica, this study is exploratory, and it is hoped that future studies can build on this assessment of Barbados and Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean. Findings Governments across the Caribbean need to recognize that the development of an effective logistics industry rests with improved technology, a proper legislative framework, the development of competent human resources and modern infrastructure development. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to Barbados and Jamaica, and so it is not representative of the rest of the Caribbean, as economies like Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic have stronger trans-shipment and cruise tourism activities. Practical implications With the low pace of logistics development in the Caribbean, the demand for logistic services, which involve planning, managing and executing the movement of goods and information within global supply chains, will continue to be largely by firms’ desire to outsource some or all logistics-related activities to specialists. Social implications The need to plan for the development of a competent and certified pool of human resources to support the development of a logistics and tourism industry is critical. This therefore requires the development of specialized skills, knowledge and the competence of a flexible and agile workforce. Originality/value The focus on Barbados and Jamaica provide an adequate picture of the logistics markets and regulatory frameworks in different contexts of the Caribbean, including an economy directly connected with the global marketplace with a relatively diversified product structure, and another less extensively connected and diversified product structure.

Fiction or reality? Hotel leaders’ perception on climate action and sustainable business models

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-260
Author(s):  
Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde ◽  
Elin Merethe Oftedal ◽  
Giovanna Merethe Bertella
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
The Caribbean

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of key actors in the Caribbean’s hotel industry on the development of business models that are inclusive of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and resilient to climate change challenges. The objectives are to gain a better understanding of the central actors’ perspective and to explore the potential of scenario thinking as a pragmatic tool to provoke deep and practical reflections on business model innovation. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a questionnaire survey conducted via email to senior personnel in the hotel industry across the region as well as to national and regional tourism and hospitality associations/agencies and government ministries. The questionnaire used a mix of close- and open-ended questions, as well as fictional scenarios to gain insight about perceptions from key actors in the tourism sector, including respondents’ personal beliefs about the reality of climate science and the need for action at the levels of individuals, governments, local, regional and multinational institutions. Findings The study found that while the awareness of climate change and willingness to action is high, respondents perceive that hotels are not prepared for the climate crisis. Respondents had an overall view that the hotel sector in the Caribbean was unprepared for the negative impacts of climate change. Recommendations from the study include the need for immediate action on the part of all to both raise awareness and implement focused climate action to secure the future of tourism in the Caribbean. Research limitations/implications The use of a survey has considerable challenges, including low response rates and the limitations of using perceptions to understand a phenomenon. The survey was conducted across the Caribbean from The Bahamas to Belize and down to Trinidad and Tobago so that views from across the similar, yet diverse, regions could be gathered, included and compared for a comprehensive view of perceptions and possible ideas for climate smart action. Practical implications The 2030 Agenda for SDGs is based on policy and academic debates. This study helps to bridge the academic and policy discussion with the needs of the industry. Originality/value This study contributes a consideration for climate-resilient business models for hotels in the tourism industry as a definitive action toward achieving SDG 13. This combined with the use of fictional climate change scenarios to access perceptions about the future of the hotel industry in the light of climate change, adds originality to the study.

The future of tourism in an emerging economy: the reality of the cruise industry in Caribbean

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Pinnock
Keyword(s):  
International Association ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cruise Tourism ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
To Come ◽  
High Level ◽  
Cruise Lines

Purpose – In the face of newly industrialised nations, there is the tendency that there will be a shift or redirect of tourists from old tourism destinations to the newly industrialised ones. While there has been a consistent growth in cruising to the Caribbean, the question is whether the growth in cruise ship calls and increase in cruise passenger arrivals to the Caribbean translate into greater development for the region ' s stakeholders or whether this just creates increased profits for the cruise lines, and whether there will be a shift from the Caribbean to the newly industrialised nation in years to come. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This research employed mixed methods approach to answer the research question. The nature of the question and data necessary to answer the question led to the choice of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings – The findings from this research will, hopefully, serve as a guide for Caribbean nations to develop a better strategy to cope with the cruise tourism industry; an approach based more along the lines of inter-island collaboration as opposed to competition. Research limitations/implications – Lack of ample data on cruise tourism in the Caribbean was one of the limitations of the study. Another drawback involved the high level of secrecy which surrounds the industry and the unwillingness of cruise lines and their associates to provide access to operational data, which they regard as confidential. Originality/value – The Caribbean, particularly Caribbean governments, will benefit from a greater understanding of the power relations among the cruise tourism stakeholder chain and the profile of costs and benefits associated with the industry. Over the years, the Caribbean has relied solely on the economic impact surveys produced by Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), both of whom represent the cruise lines, in order to make projections and development plans for the industry.

Tourism development and logistics in the Caribbean: will there be a symbiotic relationship?

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Ajagunna ◽  
Fritz Pinnock ◽  
Tom M. Amode
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Symbiotic Relationship ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
The Caribbean

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the articles included in this theme issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the contributions in this theme issue to one key question: is there a symbiotic relationship between tourism development and logistic services in the Caribbean? Findings Even though the papers in this theme issue have focused on examining different interconnections between tourism and other activities, all suggest that tourism development and logistics services are symbiotically related. Each of the contributions has suggested that strategies to improve logistics activities will enhance the development and growth of the tourism industry. Originality/value The conclusion presented draws on the analysis of the theme. The conclusion also presents a review of all the papers submitted to the theme issue.

Socio-economic preconditions of resort agglomerations development in the south of Russia

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matvey S. Oborin ◽  
Irina Kozhushkina ◽  
Tatyana Gvarliani ◽  
Nikolay Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resource ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
The South ◽  
Health Tourism ◽  
Resource Potential ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the modern problems and the main trends of development of the health-improving tourism sector in the southern part of Russia and to identify significant factors in overcoming the complex challenges related to specific socio-economic conditions in the study area. Design/methodology/approach The material that served as the basis of the study comprises statistical data from the Southern Federal District and its subjects, as well as data about the development of tourism infrastructure on the official websites of governments, Ministry of Tourism and the population of the Southern Federal District. This information was systematized from a number of perspectives, including identification of the chronology of health-improving tourism infrastructure development in the chosen territory, as well as the advantages and disadvantages in this area. Based on the results of the study, the authors also developed some recommendations to overcome existing inactive trends in the field of health tourism. Findings This paper sheds light on the understanding of the challenges and changes that took place in the resort agglomerations of the south of Russia in terms of current issues and those that must be addressed in the coming years. It was concluded that health tourism in the south of Russia has old traditions based on the natural resource potential of territories that are included in the composition of the Southern Federal District. At the same time, the authors came to the conclusion that, unfortunately, not resort agglomerations are fully utilized. Furthermore, some historic resorts were not well maintained by local authorities and have suffered more recently because of lack of investment. At present, the financial results of health resorts and others related to health-improving tourism are precarious as most operations are unprofitable, and so complex decisions are needed to address the underlying problem of resource optimization because of the important social and economic role of the cities in this region. They have special natural and resource potential and preserve traditions related to health-improving tourism. Research limitations/implications The paper provides a conceptual analysis based on limited empirical data combined with some directions for further research. Originality/value The paper attempts to reveal the impact of social, economic and geopolitical factors, both negative and positive, on the development of the health-improving tourism segment, restructuring of the Russian tourism market and the emergence of promising opportunities and new directions for development. The findings also provide insights for practitioners and researchers, and the tourism industry can draw on this analysis to guide the development of strategy, increase investment attractiveness, make more effective use of the natural resource potential and maintain pressure on government partners to provide support to tourism.

Disaster communication

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-259
Author(s):  
Alicia Mason ◽  
Lynzee Flores ◽  
Pan Liu ◽  
Kenzie Tims ◽  
Elizabeth Spencer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disaster Communication ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the crisis communication strategies used by the Caribbean medical tourism industry in the 2017 hurricane season, and also evaluate the quality of the disaster communication messages delivered via digital mediums. Design/methodology/approach This study includes a comprehensive, qualitative content analysis of 149 risk and crisis messages from 51 healthcare organizations distributed through digital media. The medical tourism providers (MTPs) include hospitals, medical tourism facilitators, practitioners/private physicians, specialty clinics, and dental and cosmetic providers. Findings Nearly half of the MTPs included in the data set delivered no post-disaster information to external audiences. The most prominent post-disaster message strategy utilized was conveying operational messages. Furthermore, an unexpected finding was the sheer magnitude of unrelated health-oriented and promotional destination marketing content disseminated before, during and after these events. Research limitations/implications This analysis excludes internal organizational channels of communication which may have been used to communicate risk and crisis messages during these events (i.e. employee e-mails, announcements made through intercom systems, etc.). Our analysis does not include content disseminated through medical tourism forums (i.e. Realself.com, Health Traveler’s Forum, FlyerTalk Forum). Practical implications Small-scale MTPs can improve on any weaknesses through proactive planning and preparation by creating organizational goals to complete basic crisis communication training courses and in doing so support the applied professional development of disaster and crisis responders in the Caribbean region. Second, MTPs exposed to similar risks of natural disasters may use these findings for comparative analysis purposes to support their own organizational planning. Finally, this study supports the continued utility of the National Center for Food Protection & Defense guidelines for analyzing and evaluating organizational performance. Originality/value Currently much of the academic scholarship of applied disaster communication narrowly focuses on the response strategies of one organization, or analyzes one social media platform at a time (i.e. Twitter). A strength of this analysis is the inclusion of an organizational sector (i.e. Caribbean medical tourism providers) and the range of platforms from which the content was captured (e.g. websites, org. blogs and social media networks).

Environmental regulations and their effect on innovation and competitiveness in tourism in Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
Eritha Olinda Huntley Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Regulations ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Caribbean Tourism ◽  
Effective Use

Purpose This paper aims to explore the need for innovation in Caribbean tourism with stringent (mandatory) environmental regulations as the key driver of the process. It draws examples from three destinations, Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. Design/methodology/approach This assessment entailed a review of the literature on the key issues. Theories on innovation, regulations and competitiveness were examined in brief. The paper also presents an overview of Caribbean tourism to provide context. Of note is the dearth of information on the drivers of innovation and its effect on the Caribbean tourism industry which was a major limitation of this assessment. Findings The main implication of this review is that it attempts to highlight the need for discourse on the effective use of environmental regulations to influence the behaviour of industry operatives towards achieving sustainable tourism. Within the context of climate change and the threat that this poses to Caribbean tourism, there is the critical need for this discourse. Consideration is also given to the value stringency of regulation since it is theorised that, if applied correctly, this may be the impetus to drive businesses to innovate to be competitive. Originality/value This is a novel approach to the management of the tourism industry which has shown a preference for self-regulation. Given the proposed outcome, the paper advocates mandatory, stringent regulations since self-regulation is a choice left solely to the industry operatives.

The future of Caribbean tourism: competition and climate change implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Mackay ◽  
Andrew Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Regional Cooperation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Caribbean Tourism

Purpose This conceptual paper examines the Caribbean tourism sector, its growth, performance, importance and its vulnerability to climate change. The purpose of this paper is to serve as an introduction to the on-going conversation around climate change and the socioeconomic impacts likely to be experienced in tourism-dependent Caribbean territories. Design/methodology/approach The Caribbean is used as the context of this work. A broad perspective was adopted to paint a picture of the wider implications. The region is represented by a multiplicity of country profiles, both in physical and socio-economic characteristics; this warrants a broad assessment of the issues examined here. Findings This work shows that the Caribbean tourism sectors face significant future threats related to both competitiveness and climate change impacts. For a region so heavily dependent on coastal- and marine-related tourism attractions, adaptation and resilience are critical issues facing Caribbean tourism. An effective approach to building resilience to climate change requires extensive regional cooperation. Research limitations/implications While there is much published on the matter of climate change implications in the general global context, there is considerably less published work specifically examining the likely effects climate change will have on the special socio-economic features of the Caribbean and on the tourism industry in particular. Practical implications The lack of extensive and ongoing research dedicated to climate change implications for Caribbean tourism, while limiting the scope of this work, does highlight a gap and open the door for future work that examines, in greater detail both collectively and on an individual country basis, the climate change implications for tourism industries throughout the region. Social implications Climate change vulnerabilities in the region present a significant threat to economic development, employment and food security among others. Coastal flooding, infrastructural damage and the potential displacement of coastal communities present significant impediments to the quality of life of Caribbean nationals. The social implications necessitate further in-depth study to inform the development of adaptation strategies that may secure the tourism industry and the livelihoods and lifestyles of the people. Originality/value This work is original in its evaluation of the viewpoints of climate change vulnerability specific to the Caribbean tourism sector.

Shifting tourism flows in a changing climate: policy implications for the Caribbean

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwame Emmanuel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Tourism Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Tourism Flows

Purpose – Population growth, climate change, shortages of oil and other resources will have dramatic implication on where, when and how tourists travel in the future. This will also reshape the tourism industry for the future. Knowing what will happen in the future has always fascinated mankind from time immemorial. However, forecasting and predictions require not only a systematic approach to development but also an imagination and the ability to think and see beyond the ordinary. As a result, the purpose of this paper is to underscore the projected northward shift in tourism demand due to the global impacts of climate change and the lack of policy attention. Design/methodology/approach – A rapid assessment of the literature was conducted to explore tourism flows to the Caribbean in a changing climate and recommendations for adaptation. Findings – Tourism demand from major markets such as Europe and North America may be reduced significantly as tourists travel to other destinations, which are closer to home and have a more favourable climate. Regulation of carbon emissions from long haul flights will also influence demand substitution. Despite this projection, current policies in the Caribbean promote further development of the climate sensitive 3S model without anticipating a possible decrease in demand in the future. Research limitations/implications – Research implications include a recalibration of tourism policy and diversification of Caribbean tourism and economies. Originality/value – Recommendations are outlined for a critical issue that is not on the policy agenda.

scholarly journals The emergence of cruise tourism in Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masood Khodadadi
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Market ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Development ◽  
Attractive Option ◽  
Cruise Tourism ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
International Sanctions ◽  
Tourism Potential

Purpose Iran is a country with substantial tourism potential. Iran’s tourism industry, however, was side-lined for decades due to international sanctions. The election of President Hassan Rouhani and the subsequent deal on Iran’s nuclear programme (reached on 14 July 2015) has resulted in softening of nuclear-related international sanctions and brought much needed relief to a struggling tourism industry in Iran. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the emergence of cruise tourism—as an attractive option for both domestic and international markets—with the introduction of the Iran’s first cruise ship, named “Sunny”, since the 1979 revolution. Design/methodology/approach This study is a short viewpoint piece based on the author’s interpretation of cruise tourism development in Iran and its future opportunities and challenges. Findings Following the nuclear deal, Iran has seen a substantial growth in inbound tourist numbers and attracted considerable investment in tourism-related infrastructure such as air transport and the hospitality sector. While cruise tourism is and remains an emerging phenomenon in Iran, it is evident that the country has a vested interest in developing this lucrative sector due to the country’s strong domestic market and potential to serve the international market. Originality/value This is an original topic which has never been investigated before. Cruise tourism is an emerging market in Iran and this study sheds new light on this new development. The paper focuses on the historical, current and future development of the tourism industry in Iran with a specific emphasis on cruise tourism.

Capacity building for tourism and logistics: redefining the role of human resources

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
Betty Aigbogho Arhelo
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dangerous Goods ◽  
Global Nature ◽  
The Caribbean

Purpose This paper aims to examine the current position of human resources in Caribbean ports and how this position has impacted the development of tourism and logistics in the region. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research was used to describe the data collected from five different ports across the Caribbean. Documents and interviews were chosen because the study is limited to five ports with five senior managers. Findings The study shows that, on average, 20 per cent of Caribbean port workers are provided with new skills in the areas of technology, human resource development, information technology, health and safety and handling of dangerous goods and customs documentation. Practical implications There is a need for a re-think among educational institutions in the Caribbean in relation to the development of human resources for the logistics and tourism industries. The implications of this study go beyond the Caribbean, given the global nature of the maritime constituency. Originality/value This paper draws on an MSc research project and offers directions for further research in logistics and supply chain management.

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