Reconsidering Tourism for the Advancement of Heritage Conservation in the Caribbean

Reconsidering Tourism for the Advancement of Heritage Conservation in the Caribbean: The Promotion of a Caribbean Heritage Tourism Product, 2014
Academic, Savannah College of Art & Design, Prof. Jong Hyun Lim

Abstract

Tourism in the Caribbean region has been one of the most influential and impacting activities not just affecting cultural exchange but also creating an economic dominance on many islands. As tourism was new and different to the Caribbean at the time it was introduced, not much research was available on the industry, and for many islands planning was not prioritized leaving mass tourism to overtake the region with rapidity and much fervor. Today the affects of tourism can be seen and felt across the Caribbean, but one affect In particular that stands out is a lack of authenticity in the promotion of a tourism product. One aspect of tourism that has not been fully explored is that of heritage tourism. With a region so diverse and rich with heritage it is almost incomprehensible why this would not be at the forefront of the tourism focus. Comparative analysis was conducted of research accomplished in this capacity by major organizations and authors. The history of the foundation of tourism to date is studied with focus given to stakeholders, economic dependence, positive and negative aspects of tourism, and tourism trends. These issues are further expanded upon and explored through case studies which compare and contrast differences such as planning efforts, tourism dependency, authenticity and heritage efforts currently taking place in Nevis, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Jamaica. Findings were compiled into recommended strategies to implement an authentic heritage tourism product in the region, with concentration being given to planning, marketing, funding, local involvement, and stakeholders’ involvement.