CSEC-School Based Assessment Cover Page

Name: Kashean Baynes

Candidate Number: 1500270099

Subject: English A

Center Name : Thomas Saunders Secondary School

Center Number: 150027

Topic: Tourism in the caribbean

Title: Problems Of Tourism In the Caribbean

Territory: St.Vincent and the Grenadines

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Allen Jack

Date Of Submission: 02/14/24

Table Of Contents

Plan Of Investigation 1 Artefact one 2 Artefact two 3 Artefact three 4 Reflection one

5 Reflection two 6 Reflection three 7 Group Written Report 8 Artefact one 9 Artefact
two 10

Artefact three 11 Oral presentation plan/outline 12 Oral presentation 13 Bibliography

Plan of Investigation

My group chose the topic ‘Tourism in the Caribbean' because it carries a lot of weight when it

comes to revenue in our caribbean countries. The focus for my subtopic will be, “negative

impact of Tourism in the Caribbean” which will help highlight the adverse effects on the

environment. This aligns with my goals as an English student, aiming to improve my

comprehension and vocabulary skills. I plan to analyze a poem and two articles, two from the

internet and another from a book. By extracting and summarizing the information, this will

enhance my knowledge on the topic and utilize it in crafting an oral presentation. Furthermore,

paying attention to detail will be pivotal in constructing a reflective piece after the presentation,

documenting challenges and lessons learned. This multifaceted approach aims to deepen my

understanding and communication skills in the realm of Caribbean tourism.

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Stimulus one

Artifact titled : The Environmental Impact Of Caribbean Tourism Undermines Its Economic

Benefit

Author - Daphne Ewing Chow

In the Caribbean, tourism employs 2.4 million people and contributes more than $62 billion

(15.5%) to GDP (2018) making it the most tourism-reliant region in the world. But the pursuit of

tourism-driven economic growth overlooks a significant environmental burden. The global

sector is responsible for 8% of all global greenhouse gas emissions— 4.5 billion tons of CO2 per

year— and for small islands such as Dominica and St. Lucia, where total emissions are a mere

drop in the ocean compared to that of large nations, tourism’s contribution to domestic carbon

emissions can run as high as 97% and 70% respectively.With the high average footprint of

tourism-related activities, such as diving classes and jet ski rides, each of which produce about

24 kg of CO2 per tourist, or golf courses which use as much water as 60,000 rural residents and

1,500 kg of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides each year, scientists and economists

have suggested that there is a higher cost to the environment from developing tourism over other

sectors.

According to a 2018 study reported in the journal, Nature Climate Change, one dollar of travel-

related consumption produces a carbon footprint of 1 kg CO2e, which is 25% higher than the

global average emissions produced per dollar spent across all sectors. If this formula was

applied to the Caribbean it would mean that in 2018, regional tourism contributed 62 billion kg

CO2e to global emissions.A significant proportion of tourism’s carbon footprint is associated

with international transport. Aviation and the cruise industry contribute 3-5% of the world's total

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carbon dioxide emissions, with long haul flights producing 16% of all tourism-related CO2

emissions. Case in point: A round trip flight from New York to Barbados produces 505 kg of

CO2 per passenger while a round trip from London Gatwick to Kingston Jamaica produces 985.8

kg of CO2 per passenger— the equivalent of burning 1077 pounds of coal. Comparatively, the

average cruise ship passenger was responsible for 820 kg CO2e in emissions in 2017.Hotels are

major contributors to global carbon emissions. According to the Hotel Global Decarbonisation

Report, the hotel sector has been tasked with reducing absolute carbon emissions by 90% by

2050 in order to keep global warming below the 2-degree threshold agreed upon in the Paris

Climate Agreement.Given their round-the-clock energy consumption, hotels have a higher

carbon footprint than other building categories. Laundry facilities, waste disposal and the

production of hotel consumables are major carbon emitters.According to the International

Tourism Partnership and Greenview’s Hotel Footprint Tool, the mean carbon footprint per

Caribbean hotel room (total greenhouse gas emissions of a hotel divided by the total number of

rooms, without factoring in occupancy or floor area) is equivalent to the amount of emissions of

3.4 passenger vehicles per year. A Caribbean hotel room has more than twice the mean carbon

footprint of a hotel room in London or Hawaii, almost four times that of Toronto and has a larger

footprint than the average room in Thailand or Mexico.In the Caribbean, hotels tend to source

most of their food from imports causing the carbon footprint associated with hotel food to be

typically high. According to the World Wildlife Fund, 13 nights in a five-star all-inclusive hotel

resort can produce food-related carbon emissions of 205 kg per person and 13 nights in a four-

star hotel can produce 91 kg of emissions per person.

Tourists are also directly responsible for a great deal of environmental damage inflicted on their

host countries. From natural habitat loss, reduction in biodiversity, over-exploited land and water

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resources, pollution (land and marine) and coral reef damage, tourism places a great deal of
stress on the natural resources on which it depends.

The Future

Countries are seeking to curb the environmental impact of tourism by making hotels more green

and climate resilient, by integrating eco-tourism into their tourism product and by implementing

policies to protect marine and terrestrial resources. But despite these investments, the negative

impacts of climate change will be increasingly unavoidable over time.

Climate change will increase the severity of extreme weather events such as droughts, storms

and hurricanes, which are likely to negatively impact tourism revenues.

A growing amount of travel will be driven by environmentally conscious decision-making.

Travelers will be dissuaded by “flight shame” given the role of aviation in total carbon

emissions.

In the years to come, sea level rise will impact coastal tourism infrastructure and development.

According to the United Nations, a sea-level rise of one meter would cause more than 29% of

major resort properties in the CARICOM region to be partially or fully inundated by water, while

49% would be damaged or destroyed by a combination of sea-level rise and storm surge. If

temperatures rise according to worst-case scenario predictions, scientists predict “the Caribbean

alone could generate an extra $22 billion and $46 billion in storm and infrastructure damages and

tourism losses by 2050 and 2100.” (Reyer, 2015)

These expenses will be compounded by the social cost of emissions from the carbon intensive

tourism sector. According to estimates from the Environmental Defence Fund, the social cost or

dollar value of damages from emitting one ton of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is just over

$50 per ton. This means that in 2010, the social cost of emissions related damages from

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Barbados’ tourism sector was $45,250,000. This is more than twice the amount of European
tourist expenditures within that market during the first quarter of that year. While the region as a

whole contributes less than 2% to global greenhouse gas emissions, regional emissions on a per

capita level are significantly higher than the global average (USAID), with tourism mostly to

blame— this should not be neglected simply because aggregate numbers cannot compare to those

of large nations.

The relationship of tourism to the environment is complex. Given the sizable carbon footprint of

the industry, the region has been attempting to reduce emissions and environmental impacts

while improving the climate resilience of tourism infrastructure, particularly within coastal

communities.

Some governments have begun to pre-emptively remove a few tourism eggs from their economic

basket and are diversifying across emerging sectors such as blockchain, medical marijuana and

renewable energy.

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Stimulus two
Poem titled : Tourism or Terrorism

Author- Ramesh T A

One man’s food is another man’s poison in the world;

Place of tourism has become a place of terrorism now!

World is not safe for tours in the wake of terrorism

It has no nation, no boundaries and no state players!

Terrorism based on backward fanatic faith is vague

In its approach to the modern world of developments.

So, civilised nations have decided to eliminate it fast

For peace, stability, security and progress to go on!

Terrorist attacks in the USA, UK, Asia and India are condemned.

Terrorism for the world is a fight for freedom for some few!

Consequences of terrorism are losses of lives and properties

That has made many nations cautious in world dealings!

Tourism or terrorism? A fearful question in world tourist spots

Has made many to avoid tours there though nothing happens!

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Stimulus three
Video titled: is tourism in the Caribbean bad for the environment and economy ? (pros and cons)

Author: Terrible Person From Louisiana

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Reflection one

The article entitled ‘The Environmental Impact Of Caribbean Tourism Undermines Its Economic

Benefit’ written by Daphne Ewing Chow stated that the tourism sector is responsible for up to

97% of national carbon emissions. The Caribbean region's regional tourist industry contributed

62 billion kg CO2e to worldwide emissions in 2018. Approximately 8% of the carbon emissions

in the world are caused by tourism.. It is tragic to know that we the locals develop our country to

welcome tourists to have a special experience but this intern is damaging the country’s health.

Going forward, Caribbean countries need to release that excessive tourism also has a negative
effect on the environment and society. In Addition, it may promote slower and more erratic

economic growth.This piece has made me aware that being in a developed country has so many

disadvantages and developing our nation to attract tourists is good but it is also bad because of

how destructive it is to the environment. This encouraged me to speak out against tourism in the

Caribbean and educate my fellow friends and family about all the disadvantages of tourism,

especially in my country .

The poem "Tourism Or Terrorism” by Ramesh T A (2009) reflects a shift from tourism to

terrorism, expressing concerns about safety in a world grappling with fanatical beliefs. “Tourist

lives have been taken also properties” was the line in the poem that stood out to me. Prior to

doing my research, I thought it was safe for tourists to visit other countries because they were

just exploring for fun memories and nothing severe would happen to them. However, reading the

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poem I now am aware of the tragedies that tourists are faced with while traveling. Tourism

brings in alot of revenue for countries in the Caribbean but if the country is not safe for outsiders,

is it really worth the risk? Additionally, it highlighted the global impact of terrorist attacks,

leading to caution in international dealings and reluctance to visit certain tourist destinations.

This puts fear in the hearts of the tourists visiting and foreign countries trying to invest no matter

how beautiful or how much developing potential that country may have. I was shocked to know

that some countries have decided to stop tourism because it affects their nation severely.

Countries that are facing such problems, the government needs to take a firm hand in rectifying

these serious problems for the future of the country.

In the video entitled “ is tourism in the Caribbean bad for the environment and economy ? (pros

and cons) “. Firstly, it highlighted that while tourism brings benefits to the Caribbean , there are

also drawbacks within. These include the use of fossil fuels from cruise ships that frequently

discharge waste into the water and oil residue, this poses a serious threat to the aqua life. This

can damage marine life and coral reefs, which are essential to our ecology and without it many

local fishing businesses and tourist attractions would suffer since visitors enjoy snorkeling to see

the coral reefs. Secondly, the video outlines that tourism promotes racism towards the locals and

the tourists themselves. Before watching this video I viewed coral reefs to be a simple

underwater attraction, because I did not fully understand the crucial role that coral reefs play in

supporting marine life and the overall health of the oceans. Even though tourism is important in

bringing in the country's revenue, the protection of our coral reefs should be a priority and they

should raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face. Also by

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Implementing educational programs for schools, communities, and businesses to foster a sense of

responsibility and understanding of the value of these ecosystems.

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Reflection two

In the first stimulus I acquired a knowledge of Tourism's Economic Significance and how it is a

major economic driver in the Caribbean, employing millions and contributing significantly to the

region's GDP. The user uses facts such as "In the Caribbean, tourism employs 2.4 million people

and contributes more than $62 billion (15.5%) to GDP (2018) making it the most tourism-reliant

region in the world." This statement provides clear evidence of the economic significance of

tourism in the Caribbean, both in terms of employment (2.4 million people) and its contribution

to the Gross Domestic Product (15.5% or more than $62 billion in 2018).

In the second stimulus the poem explores the complex relationship between tourism and

terrorism, highlighting the global challenges and fears associated with acts of terror. The writer

suggested that "World is not safe for tours in the wake of terrorism" reflects the global sense of

insecurity and fear that has emerged due to terrorist activities”. The poem also used lines with

standard English .

The video titled "Is Tourism in the Caribbean Bad for the Environment and Economy? (Pros and

Cons)" by the humorously self-identified "Terrible Person From Louisiana" provided valuable

insights into the complexities of Caribbean tourism. I learned about the environmental toll,

including significant carbon emissions and strain on local ecosystems, challenging the notion

that economic growth through tourism comes without costs. Simultaneously, the video

highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing job creation and revenue generation. The

balanced perspective encouraged me to critically assess the trade-offs between economic gains

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and environmental sustainability, sparking a deeper interest in exploring sustainable tourism

practices for the region.

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Reflection three

While researching my related subject “Problems of tourism in the Caribbean” has shaped my

attitude and contributed to my personal development in meaningful ways. Learning about

environmental degradation, cultural disruption, and the challenges faced by local communities

has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and cultural sensitivity. It prompts me to be more

mindful and respectful of local cultures and environments when traveling. Recognizing the

global impact of tourism on small island nations fosters a sense of global citizenship,

encouraging me to consider my role as a responsible traveler in our interconnected world. This

knowledge has heightened my environmental consciousness, leading to a preference for

sustainable and responsible travel choices. It has also cultivated empathy and a deeper

understanding of the complexities within the tourism industry. Overall, acknowledging the

negative aspects of tourism has made me more open-minded, prompting me to advocate for

responsible tourism and engage in efforts to mitigate its adverse effects. It contributes to my

personal growth, shaping my approach to travel with mindfulness, consideration, and a

commitment to making positive contributions to the places I visit.

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 Group written report

Our group studied the topic “Tourism in the Caribbean”. This topic was divided into five

different subtopics “Problems associating with Tourism”, “Benefits of Tourism”, “importance of

Tourism”, “Jobs of Tourism” and “How Covid-19 affected Tourism” with a total of 15 artifacts.

The three piece selected were a poem titled “Inclusive Tourism in Tourism Day on 2021” by

Chaminda Pushpadews, an article titled “Characteristics and intentions of cruise passengers to

return to the Caribbean for land-base vacations” by David McAuthur Baker and an article

“Impact of Covid-19” by Dr. Marbea Scott. The poem by Chaminda Pushpadew was chosen

because it shows the significance of Tourism and the main reason for its development to benefit

locals and tourists. We discovered that tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in

the world. The article by David McAuthur Baker was selected because it gives details about

Tourism which may be seen as a major instrument for regional development as it stimulates

diverse activity with a positive economic impact. We learnt from this that Tourism is a vital and

important industry in developing countries. The article by Dr Marbea Scott was selected since it

portrayed that Covid-19 negatively impacted the majority of our tourism industries. The outbreak

of the virus caused many countries to implement travel restrictions for the safety of individuals.

Also, many Caribbean countries had to cancel all traditional activity to prevent the virus from

spreading. We learnt from that due to Covid-19, Tourism faced many overwhelming obstacles in

which many in authority and small businesses owners had to make a sound decision to ensure the

economy stays successful. Information related to this topic was easily attainable since Tourism is

a global affair and many countries consist of different races and cultures. However, it was quite

challenging to source information for some of the subtopics chosen. Once our group selected and

agreed on the topics, we arranged a meeting and schedule in order to complete the SBA. The

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meeting we therefore held on Tuesday after school to discuss our various findings and results
based on the sub-topic that was given to each group member. We kept all our discussions in our

notes to facilitate development of the SBA and gathered more information individually. We

Concluded from our research that many countries are successful because of a devoted Tourism

industry. Studying Tourism awakened us to see how significant it is to every country and its

remarkable benefits. We faced various challenges in cooperating as a group and working

together. We also faced problems at first scheduling meetings so that we wouldn't inconvenience

our group members and after carefully planning it was no longer a problem. Ultimately, we

learnt to work with each other and capitalized on each member's respected strengths to produce a

successful outcome

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Artifact 1
Poem titled: Inclusive Tourism In Tourism Day On 2021

Author- Chaminda Pushpadewa

Skill development in a community.

Seeking new ways to help the community

Someone has to feel leisure surely

Spreading via the globe Thomas Cooks tourism day

Globally host community will be gathered

Giving job opportunities will be planned

Gradually increasing movement of culture in method

Gladding for the invitation among covid

Tourism for inclusive growth is the theme

Travelers will create jobs for the employee

Take care of heritages and culture

Tolerance is making happiness in the future

UNWTO will clear the goal of Sustainable development

Underpinning associated fellows is a target

Under Tourism date of September 27th is celebration best

Upper and lower contributors can find a seat

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Artifact 2

Characteristics and intentions of cruise passengers to return to the Caribbean for land-base
vacations

Author- David McArthur Baker

Over the five decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification

to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. Modem tourism is closely

linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new destinations. According to the

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2016), an ever-increasing number of destinations

worldwide have opened up to, and invested in tourism, turning it into a key driver of socio-

economic progress through the creation of jobs and enterprises, export revenues, and

infrastructure development. Likewise, international tourism receipts earned by destinations

worldwide have surged from US $2 billion in 1950 to US$ 104 billion in 1980, US$ 495 billion

in 2000, and US $1260 billion in 2015. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for

socio-economic progress (UNWTO, 2016). Tourism remains one of the most significant national

economic activities showing substantial growth in the previous decades and it may be seen as a

major instrument for regional development as it stimulates diverse activities with a positive

economic impact on balance of payments, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employment.

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Artifact 3

Impact of Covid-19
Author: Dr. Marbea Scott

Like many destinations in the region and internationally, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was

severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to WTTC (2021), SVG’s Travel

& Tourism employment levels were down 27.8 per cent and GDP by 67 per cent in 2020

when compared to 2019. A significant percentage of the unemployed in the tourism sector would

have been women, impacted by the decline in the accommodation and food service sub-sectors

(approximately 54.9% of women in the labour force have been employed in these sub-sectors).

The reduced supplemental income from remittances due to the impact of the pandemic, also

compounded women’s socio-economic vulnerability and only those formally employed would

have benefited from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Additionally, the events sub-sector

and festival tourism would have been impacted by the cancellation of Vincy Mas, the Bequia

Easter Regatta, and the Union Island Easter Festival, the Kingstown Corporate Credit Union

National Dance and the Gospel Festivals (UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women, 2020). The

Ministry of Tourism sought to cushion the impact of the pandemic on tourism MSMEs

stakeholders through an income support programme for a period of 3 to 6 months. Land taxi

operators, water taxi operators, tour bus operators, cultural and allied professionals – art and

craft, musicians, drummers, dancers, live production and entertainment providers were among the

beneficiaries of income support. Formally employed hospitality workers such as Bartenders,

Front Office and other support staff received income support through the NIS. Data from the

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), highlights that each visitor

category continued to struggle in 2021. Stay-over arrivals were down 18.6 per cent for January to

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September 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Cruise and yacht visitors were down 99.8

percent and 90.6 per cent, respectively. However, the cruise market is expected to rebound in the

2021/2022 cruise season with 224 tentative bookings, including 14 inaugural calls. There is also
optimism for improved performance in other visitor segments in 2022 as more events come back

on-stream including Vincy Mas (albeit a scaled-down version).

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Oral Presentation Plan

Our group's major study topic was tourism in the Caribbean, and I selected to focus on the

"Problems of tourism in the Caribbean" for my subtopic. Information was gathered through the
internet, poems, and articles. I believe the audience will find the genre poetry to be extremely

captivating since I have always found it to be intriguing and enjoyable. I'll be discussing my

knowledge and observations on the topic and outlining the various problems towards the

Caribbean. This will help me comprehend the significance of tourism to the Caribbean region

better. The poetry will be composed in formal language with a rhyme system and a free-form

framework.

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Oral presentation

In the Caribbean sun, where turquoise waters kiss the shore,

A tale unfolds of tourism, a blessing and much more.

Yet, beneath the surface, a narrative less bright,

Of shadows cast upon paradise, hidden from plain sight.

Oh, the negative impact, the hidden scars,

Tourism's double-edged sword, leaving behind lasting bars.

Economic gains and cultural strains,

In the Caribbean, the cost of progress remains.

Once pristine landscapes, now cradle a heavy load,

Concrete jungles rise, nature's secrets erode.

Dancing with the wind, the palm trees' weary sighs,

As overdevelopment unfolds, beneath Caribbean skies.

Oh, the negative impact, the hidden scars,

Tourism's double-edged sword, leaving behind lasting bars.

Economic gains and cultural strains,

In the Caribbean, the cost of progress remains.

Cruise ships on the horizon, a promise of delight,

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Yet, in their wake, environmental plight.

Coral reefs, once vibrant, now pale and bleached,

Tourist footprints echo, nature's plea for peace.

Local cultures diluted, authenticity a façade,

As tourists parade, sometimes unaware of the charade.

Rising costs, inequality's embrace,

The Caribbean dreams under a tourist's gaze.

Oh, the negative impact, the hidden scars,

Tourism's double-edged sword, leaving behind lasting bars.

Economic gains and cultural strains,

In the Caribbean, the cost of progress remains.

Carbon footprints trail, in skies once pure,

As flights traverse, leaving a carbon blur.

Hotels echo the energy, round the clock,

While local carbon footprints bear the shock.

Yet, in the darkness, a glimmer of change,

Sustainable paths emerging, a future to arrange.

Awareness rising, a call to tread light,

For the Caribbean's beauty, in nature's arms, to ignite.

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Oh, the negative impact, the hidden scars,

Tourism's double-edged sword, leaving behind lasting bars.

Economic gains and cultural strains,

In the Caribbean, the cost of progress remains.

As the Caribbean whispers tales of joy and pain,

May we navigate with care, in sunshine and in rain.

Tourism's journey, a path to redefine,

A balance struck, for the Caribbean to truly shine.

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Bibliography
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