Is Caribbean tourism in overdrive? Investigating the antecedents and effects of overtourism in sovereign and nonsovereign small island tourism economies (SITEs). Issue 1 (10th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Ryan; DiPietro, Robin B.
• Is Part Of: International hospitality review. Volume 35:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2021-02-10
• Subjects: Small island tourism economy -- Overtourism -- Nonsovereign island states -- Resilience -- Caribbean; Hospitality industry -- Periodicals; 647
• DOI: 10.1108/IHR-07-2020-0022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-8142

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Drawing on theories of development economics and sustainable tourism, this research explores the differences between sovereign and nonsovereign small island tourism economies (SITEs) and identifies the antecedents and effects of overtourism in the Caribbean. Design/methodology/approach: The research design is based on a comparative case study of selected Caribbean SITEs. Case study research involves a detailed empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. The main purpose of a case study is to provide a contextual analysis of the conditions and processes involved in the phenomenon under study. A comparative case study is an appropriate research methodology to explore new multi-faceted concepts with limited empirical evidence. Findings: The results confirm previous studies that nonsovereign SITEs have a distinctive overdrive toward tourism specialization. Moreover, the findings indicate that overtourism is driven by both global and domestic policy factors and generates significant economic volatility, social inequality and ecological stress. The paper discusses the tourism policy implications of the evolving economic disconnectedness, environmental decay and social tensions in SITEs in the Caribbean. Originality/value: Policy recommendations are presented for transitioning toward a more inclusive development and strengthening the resilience of small island tourism development in the Caribbean.