The Caribbean is one of the most famous tourist destinations in recent years. The landscape offers the visitor a majestic blue sea, the sun, beaches of clear and fine sand, lush vegetation or the climate almost always favorably warm. It’s not just an earthly paradise It’s also the cradle of a powerful culture and a set of tangible and intangible heritage traditions and the hospitality of its people which has made the region a world reference.
Tourism is one of the main contributors to the region’s economy, some countries consider it their main industry and earn their main foreign exchange revenues from the sector. Also the Caribbean peoples are glad to receive and show to the foreign the wonders of their lands, highlighting the the mixture of African, indigenous, Spanish and even Asian traditions that the entire region boasts.
This economic sector is one of the main contributors to the region’s economy; so much so that some countries consider it their main industry and earn their main foreign exchange revenues. According to estimates by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the industry accounts for approximately 14% of the region’s GDP and provides employment for more than 2.4 million people.
A brief history of this economic field in the region:
The development of tourism in the Greater Caribbean (insular Caribbean and Central America) dates back to the 1970s, with the rise of all-inclusive package tours and cruise ships.
Since the early 1990s, Caribbean national economies have turned their attention to the potential benefits of the tourism industry. Between 1980 and 2000 alone, income generated by the sector in the region grew at a rate of 8.7%, while in the rest of the world the annual growth rate was only 7.9%.
Such was the momentum and demand that by 2001 the Caribbean had become the world’s leading cruise destination. This was achieved by maintaining a high level of hotel infrastructure, generally resorts, as well as extra-hotel services.
Environmental Protection:
Tourism also brings with it not only economic prosperity, but also how massive it can be, it has consequences for the environment and its maintenance. In this sense Fortunately, responses from governments and industry bodies have not been delayed. Many Caribbean countries are taking steps to promote sustainable tourism practices, such as
limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas and promoting ecotourism and cultural tourism activities.
The latter is a major strength, as the sector offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the music, gastronomy, architecture, nature, other patrimonial heritage and traditions of the Caribbean. They have also made better use of communication technologies: from online booking platforms to social media marketing, technology has made it easier for tourists to plan and book their trips.
The future of the Caribbean tourism industry depends on several factors, including global economic conditions, environmental sustainability and the region’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Many countries continue to invest in infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
Recommended destinations in the area:
Every year renowned websites make a ranking, according to the criteria of travelers. There is some of the most outstanding places, according to the list, made by the tourism platform TripAdvisor.
Dominican Republic is one of the best destinations, particularly Punta Cana, Playa Bávara. Located in the southeast of the island, it is probably the best known area of the country, and one of the most important Caribbean tourist destinations at present. The place is the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, miles of white sand and turquoise sea, framed by coconut trees: the perfect destination for a vacation, with family, couple or friends, for lovers of sun, relaxation or beach sports.
Cuba, one of the first countries that initiated in sun and beach tourism. Havana, the island’s capital, was declared Wonder City of the Modern World in 2015. It also has two of the 25 best beaches in the world: Varadero, located in the Hicacos Peninsula, and Playa del Pilar, located in Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey archipelago. It is highly recommended the Viñales Valley, Trinidad, considered the biggest open air museum in the Caribbean, and other cities like Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.
Trinidad and Tobago attracts 30,000 foreign visitors in just one week, thanks to its famous Carnival, a big popular and colorful party, with costumes and loud music to get people dancing. The country also stands out for its welcoming beaches and significant lodging network.
Mexico, with the famous Riviera Maya, has practically everything to conquer the visitor. endless beaches of turquoise waters, rich regional gastronomy and a fantastic historical
and natural heritage just a few kilometers from the surroundings of Playa del Carmen, where the resorts are located. The pyramids of Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world, the ruins of Tulum, the mysterious cenotes, colonial cities like Valladolid where time seems to have stopped are just a few examples.
