Tourism Development Governance and Sustainability in The Bahamas: A Contemporary Exploration

Tourism Development, Governance and Sustainability in The Bahamas (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility)

by Sophia Rolle

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4640 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Tourism is the lifeblood of The Bahamas, accounting for over half of its GDP and employing a significant portion of its workforce. However, the rapid growth of tourism in recent years has also brought challenges, including environmental degradation, social inequality, and the erosion of cultural heritage.

To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt a sustainable approach to tourism development that balances economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being. This requires effective governance mechanisms that ensure the involvement of all stakeholders and promote transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.

Tourism Development Governance in The Bahamas

The Bahamian government has taken steps to improve tourism development governance by establishing several key institutions and policies:

• The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is responsible for overall tourism policy and development.
• The Bahamas Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) is a public-private partnership that promotes and markets The Bahamas as a tourism destination.
• The National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) outlines the government's vision for sustainable tourism development.

In addition to these formal institutions, there are also a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups involved in tourism development governance. These organizations play an important role in representing the interests of local communities and advocating for sustainable practices.

Case Studies in Sustainable Tourism Development

There are several notable examples of sustainable tourism development in The Bahamas, including:

• The Blue Lagoon Island is a privately owned island that has been developed as a sustainable tourism destination. The island offers a variety of activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming, while also protecting the surrounding environment.
• The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area that encompasses over 176 square miles of land and sea. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing within the park.
• The Abaco National Park is a 205-square-mile park that protects a variety of ecosystems, including pine forests, wetlands, and mangrove forests. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and kayaking within the park.

These case studies demonstrate the various ways in which sustainable tourism development can be implemented in The Bahamas. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being, these projects have created positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Expert Insights on Tourism Development Governance

A number of experts have weighed in on the importance of tourism development governance in The Bahamas. These experts include:

• Dr. David Johnson, a professor of tourism management at the University of The Bahamas, argues that "effective tourism development governance is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry." He believes that the government should play a strong role in regulating tourism development and ensuring that it benefits all stakeholders.
• Mr. Fred Mitchell, the former Minister of Tourism and Aviation, believes that "sustainable tourism development is the only way to protect The Bahamas' unique environment and culture." He argues that the government should focus on developing tourism products that are low-impact and environmentally friendly.
• Ms. Wendy Warren, the executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, believes that "local communities must be involved in the planning and management of tourism development." She argues that this is the best way to ensure that tourism benefits the local population and does not lead to social problems.

These expert insights provide valuable perspectives on the importance of tourism development governance in The Bahamas. By taking into account the views of all stakeholders, the government can develop policies and strategies that promote sustainable tourism development and create a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

Tourism development governance is essential for ensuring the sustainability of the tourism industry in The Bahamas. By balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being, the government can create a tourism sector that benefits all stakeholders. The case studies and expert insights presented in this paper provide valuable lessons for policymakers and practitioners working to promote sustainable tourism development in The Bahamas and beyond.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about tourism development governance in The Bahamas, please visit the following resources:

• Bahamas Tourism
• Bahamas Tourism Development Corporation
• Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

Tourism Development, Governance and Sustainability in The Bahamas (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility)

by Sophia Rolle

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4640 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE