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.

Leadership challenges for Indian hospitality industry during COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Balvinder Shukla ◽  
Tahir Sufi ◽  
Manoj Joshi ◽  
R. Sujatha
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
General Managers ◽  
Special Events ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Study Results

PurposeThe COVID-19 crisis has affected almost all the global sectors. The hotel industry, however, was hit hardest challenging the leadership. This study, therefore, attempts to explore the challenges hospitality leadership in India face to navigate the crisis. The study additionally addresses how leaders manage the expectations of key stakeholders; communicate hard decisions with employees, pursue strategies for revival and explores the role of technology to survive the crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a qualitative approach involving structured interviews with 16 senior hospitality leaders consisting of CEO, vice president, general managers, directors, entrepreneur and general managers from various organisations like hotels, restaurant chains, food services and facilities management services. Data were content analysed involving coding techniques.FindingsThe leadership challenges included making customers and employees feel safe, optimising operations, agility and resilience of leaders, maintaining a balance between stakeholders, managing employee stress and ensuring cash reserves. The study found that leaders manage the expectation of various stakeholders by maintaining balance, demonstrating empathy and agility. The hard decisions are communicated with the employees through involvement, empathy and alleviating stress.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes by identifying twelve themes from the participants' responses under five major themes-labelled as leadership challenges, managing stakeholders, communicating with the employees, the role of technology and best practices of surviving the crisis. Future research can be conducted on such sub-themes in different countries.Practical implicationsAs the tourism industry in India is recovering after the second wave, the governments along with all stakeholders, must launch special events for promoting the tourism sector. Safety measures like making vaccination certificates for all tourists and employees of the tourism sector should be made mandatory. Further, special certification following the COVID-19 protocol needs to be introduced for hotels and catering establishments. A fund generated from the sector's direct tax contribution needs to be established to support the employees.Social implicationsThe study has several social implications. The study results can unite all industry stakeholders to shape the post-pandemic era through collaboration. Empathetic leadership can take the industry out of chaos by balancing the interests of the various stakeholders of society. The pandemic has proven that we all are vulnerable to risks and challenges; leaders have a vital role in taking proactive steps to ensure that such uncertainties do not cause unprecedented damage.Originality/valueThis study expanded the research on the hospitality leadership challenges in managing crises in the backdrop of the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The conceptual model, variables, themes and sub-themes utilised are original contributions to the hospitality literature.

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.

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.

Drive and car tourism: a perspective article

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-112
Author(s):  
Bruce Prideaux
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
And Control ◽  
Near Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the development of drive tourism in the past 75 years, highlight contemporary issues that will shape the structure of drive tourism in the near future and speculate on how drive tourism may develop in future decades. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a range of academic and grey literature to identify the major trends that are now emerging in the drive tourism sector. These trends form the basis for observations on how new and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles may offer new drive tourism opportunities in coming decades. Findings Recent and near-future advances in automobile technologies, including propulsion and control, are likely to radically alter the structure and operation of drive tourism, offering new opportunities for participation in this form of tourism. The paper observes that the tourism industry must act in a proactive rather than reactive manner if it is to maximise the opportunities that will emerge “from” the coming period of climate change and technology-generated disruption. Social implications Drive tourism has opened many previously remote areas for tourism bringing benefits such as employment and business opportunities. However, the growth of drive tourism may also have social costs including disruption to local social norms as people migrate into and out of these areas in search of new economic opportunities. Future developments in drive tourism may create similar disruptions. Originality/value Despite the size and value of the global drive tourism market, academic investigation has been limited. The value of this paper lies in its identification of a range of issues that need further research, including the need to rethink the structure of drive tourism and how new technologies and future responses to climate change may affect this sector.

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.

Reflections on the theme issue outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-628
Author(s):  
Donald Sinclair ◽  
Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena ◽  
Richard Teare
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Current State ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Lively Debate ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Profiles the WHATT theme issue ‘ What innovative strategies are needed to develop tourism in Guyana for 2025?’ with reference to the experiences of the theme theme editors and writing team. Design/methodology/approach Uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings Examines the past and current state of tourism from the standpoint of a number of sector components – community-based tourism, policy, human resources, entrepreneurship among others; assesses the local and global environment impacting upon the development of the industry and explores what the theme editors regard as viable paths to a tourism sector in the year 2025. Practical implications This theme issue has a number of practical implications. Scholars and researchers may be inspired to undertake comparative studies of the trajectories of tourism development observed in emergent tourism destinations like Guyana. Those who work in tourism planning and administration will find the retrospections and proposals made of considerable value, even as those, in some cases, provoke lively debate. Originality/value This theme issue adds to the growing corpus of research and writing that focuses upon the Caribbean. While the Caribbean as a whole, or individual States, may have been the subject of research, there has been comparatively little written about Guyana as a tourism destination. This gradual increase in scholarly interest may indeed parallel the growth of the tourism industry in Guyana itself. The raft of consultants’ reports is now enriched and diversified in this theme issue that asks the hard questions and makes bold proposals.

Flying to Paradise: The Role of Airlift in the Caribbean Tourism Industry

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Acevedo Mejia ◽  
Lu Han ◽  
Marie Kim ◽  
N. Laframboise
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Caribbean Tourism

How the creative mindset affects entrepreneurial success in the tourism sector: the mediating role of innovation capability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natthawut Yodchai ◽  
Pham Thi Minh Ly ◽  
Lobel Trong Thuy Tran
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Business Goals ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This study aims to adopt implicit theory (IPT) to develop a creative mindset model and drive entrepreneurial success through innovation capability (IC). Design/methodology/approach Expert interviews were conducted using a questionnaire protocol. This study investigated the effect of the creative mindset on entrepreneurial success through IC, using a partial least squares analytical technique and by interviewing 176 Thai business owners. Findings The creative mindset drove entrepreneurial success through IC. Entrepreneurs possessing a growth mindset reflected and drove success directly or through IC. Although, those with a strong, fixed mindset did not significantly affect entrepreneurial success, they could drive success through IC. Research limitations/implications This study provides further insight into the probable causation of how the creative mindset and IC affect tourism entrepreneurs’ success. Accordingly, this study contributes a framework to help entrepreneurs’ creativity and performance in achieving their business goals. Originality/value Drawing from IPT, this study empirically tests and substantiates the mediating role of IC in the relationship between the creative mindset and entrepreneurial success in the tourism industry. This study can help entrepreneurs increase their managerial effectiveness.

Sustainability as a key driver to address challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 662-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Célia Veiga ◽  
Margarida Custódio Santos ◽  
Paulo Águas ◽  
José António C. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Tourism Demand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Systematic Identification ◽  
Accurate Quantification

Purpose This study aims to address the paradigm changes currently affecting tourism: the increasingly recognisable signs of irreversible climate change and the consequences of this and overtourism for service providers, destinations and tourists’ experiences. A more specific objective was to identify good practices carried out by destinations and companies in different tourism sectors to increase sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The research involved examining the academic, institutional and trade literature to develop an overview of the most important challenges and an accurate portrayal of how innovative and proactive companies and destination managers are addressing these issues. Findings Increased tourism demand has contributed to social and environmental unsustainability in tourism. Although the tourism sector has already implemented sustainable initiatives, an accurate quantification and measurement of these practices’ real impacts on global tourism’s sustainability is not yet possible. Originality/value This study’s value arises from the systematic identification of the implications of climate change and overtourism as major features of a paradigm shift in tourism. This paper also presents a set of good practices to provide tourism stakeholders with more sustainable strategies and inspire these entities to adopt appropriate measures.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document