Was tourism helpful or detrimental to the development of the Bahamas?
Tourism has both positive and negative impacts on the development of countries. In the
case of the Bahamas, tourism has played a significant role in shaping its economy and
infrastructure, but it has also presented certain challenges and drawbacks. It is undeniable that
tourism has greatly contributed to the economic growth of the Bahamas. The country's natural
beauty, pristine beaches, and warm climate have attracted millions of tourists from around the
world, resulting in a booming tourism industry. This influx of visitors has generated substantial
revenue for the country, creating jobs, boosting businesses, and enhancing infrastructure
development. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourist facilities have flourished, providing
employment opportunities, and improving the standard of living for many Bahamians.
Tourism has played a vital role in promoting cultural exchange and preserving the rich
heritage of the Bahamas. With an increase in tourist arrivals, local communities have been able
to showcase their traditions, arts, crafts, and cuisine, resulting in a greater appreciation and
understanding of Bahamian culture. This boom has led many Bahamian nationals to pursue
educational opportunities at the University of the Bahamas to strengthen their intellect when
conversing and handling tourists from different areas of the world. Tourists have the opportunity
to engage with local residents, learn about their customs, and participate in traditional festivities.
This cultural exchange not only enriches the tourist experience but also ensures the preservation
and promotion of Bahamian traditions for future generations. This is seen through the daily tours
taken by multiple businesses in the Bahamas including the swimming pigs, the food tours and the
excursion to the island of Exuma to feed the swimming pig.
However, the rapid growth of tourism has also posed challenges for the Bahamas. One
major concern is the impact on the environment. The high demand for tourist accommodations
has led to the construction of large-scale resorts and hotels, often encroaching on fragile
ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. Uncontrolled development has also placed a
strain on resources such as water and energy, leading to potential environmental degradation and
resource scarcity. This change has led multiple environmental groups in the Bahamas such as
Waterkeepers Bahamas to fight for the waters of Clifton and Western Bays to stay clean and safe
for swimming and fishing for future generations. Furthermore, the heavy dependence on tourism
leaves the Bahamas vulnerable to external factors such as economic downturns and natural
disasters. The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of this vulnerability. With
international travel restrictions and a decline in tourism, the country's economy has suffered
greatly, leading to job losses and economic instability.
Additionally, tourism has played a crucial role in the development of infrastructure in the
Bahamas. The need to accommodate the growing number of tourists has led to the construction
of airports, roads, and other transportation networks. This has not only improved accessibility for
tourists but also enhanced connectivity between different islands in the archipelago, benefiting
the local population as well. The development of the Bahamar, with its Bahamian art and
displays gives the tourist an authentic Bahamian experience while the hotel itself sells the dream
of the Bahamian paradise on the backs of its Bahamian workers.
Though it has positive impacts, it also has a negative impact by being the most powerful
form of neocolonialism in the Caribbean, and it reinforces the destructive psychology of slavery.
Caribbean writers, artists, intellectuals, and activists address the combined cultural, economic,
and environmental exploitation of neocolonialism and tourism. The writers and artists in this
study challenge the dominant narratives of Caribbean tourism, while also troubling and
redefining the tourist/local dichotomy. They reveal how tourism discourses are an integral part of
much larger colonial and neo-colonial histories. Marshall and Lorde transform the travel
narrative by posing heritage and revolutionary travel as ethical models of African diaspora
connections, while Lorde turns the travel narrative genre into a political critique of US
imperialism. Bethel connects the celebration of Columbus with contemporary exploitative
tourism. Cliff exposes the colonial and neocolonial gaze, Campbell represents the bodies in
tourism, and Kempadoo complicates intra-Caribbean travel. Her work disrupts the intense
fantasy and reality of paradise.
One of the most known persons that contributed to the Bahamian tourism and hospitality
industry, Mr. Vernal Sands, has dedicated his life to serving tourists and promoting the paradise
reality that some Bahamians are trying to dissolve. Though tourism is our number one industry,
it has had negative effects on many Bahamians giving them the idea that the tourist is always
right, and a life of servitude is the best that they can hope for. The impact of tourism may be
reversed by implementing eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels that use sustainable
materials and practice waste management, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of
tourism in the Bahamas. Investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can
further minimize the industry's impact on the environment. Educational programs for tourists and
locals can raise awareness about sustainable practices, encouraging responsible behavior and
fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Collaborating with environmental
organizations will not only help in developing effective regulations but also ensure their
enforcement, safeguarding the islands' fragile ecosystems and protecting the diverse marine life
that attracts tourists. By taking these measures, the Bahamas can strike a balance between
economic growth and environmental conservation, securing a prosperous and sustainable future
for its tourism sector. In addition to working with environmental organizations, the Bahamas can
also prioritize sustainable tourism practices within its own operations. This could involve
implementing measures to reduce waste and promote recycling, as well as adopting renewable
energy sources to power hotels and resorts. By leading by example, the Bahamas can inspire
other businesses in the tourism industry to follow suit and adopt more environmentally friendly
practices. Furthermore, educating both tourists and locals about the importance of environmental
conservation can help instill a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable behaviors.
In conclusion, tourism has undoubtedly played a crucial role in the development of the
Bahamas. It has contributed to economic growth, cultural preservation, and infrastructure
development. However, it is essential for the government and stakeholders to address the
negative impacts of tourism such as environmental degradation and economic vulnerability.
Sustainable tourism practices and diversification of the economy should be pursued to ensure a
balanced and resilient future for the Bahamas.
References
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Saunders, Gail. "Gradual Changes in The Bahamas, 1880-1914." Saunders, Gail. Race and Class
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