‘Rebranded plantations’: how empire shaped luxury Caribbean tourism Luxury tourism in the Caribbean sells a kind of timelessness. A paradise of sun, sea and sand. But to step off the cruise ship or away from the all-inclusive resort is to see a more complex picture: a history of colonialism and a future of climate devastation. New research from the Common Wealth thinktank maps how, over the 400 years since the first English ships arrived in Barbados, empire engineered a system of wealth extraction that shapes the tourism economies of today. Sir Hilary Beckles, Barbadian historian and chair of the Caricom Reparations Commission, describes Barbados as the birthplace of British slave society. Between 1640 and 1807, Britain transported about 387,000 enslaved west Africans to the island. Extraordinary violence, from whippings to amputations and executions, were a regular feature of their lives. On the Codrington Plantation in the mid-18th century, 43% of the enslaved died within three years of [...]

The decline in American tourism hits Mexico and the Caribbean: Everything you need to know Mexico joins Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Virgin Islands, Cuba, and others in the Caribbean facing a sudden decline in U.S. tourist arrivals in the last month of this year due to shifting travel trends. Despite the region’s usual appeal, with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant tourism scenes, December saw a notable dip in visitors from the U.S. This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing travel preferences, economic challenges, and increased competition from other destinations. While these Caribbean spots continue to offer unique experiences, the decrease in U.S. arrivals signals the need for the region to adapt and reassess its appeal to maintain its position as a top tourist destination. Understanding these shifts is key for both travelers and the tourism industry in the Caribbean. Mexico: A Slight Decline Doesn’t Diminish Its [...]

Dominican Republic’s environmental milestone: achieves first resolution on sargassum at the UNEA The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) adopted the resolution “Strengthening the global response to the massive influx of Sargassum blooms,” drafted and presented by the Dominican Republic and co-sponsored by Barbados and Jamaica, marking a milestone for the country’s environmental diplomacy and the Greater Caribbean region. This resolution constitutes the first instrument adopted by the UNEA to address the phenomenon of Sargassum, and the first resolution presented by the Dominican Republic to this body, consolidating years of diplomatic work to highlight the growing impact of the massive blooms of this macroalga. It is worth remembering that President Luis Abinader highlighted the urgency in the Caribbean to find a solution to the arrival of these algae on beaches, their impact on tourism, and how the Dominican Republic has been addressing this issue. The text acknowledges that massive influxes of Sargassum represent a ‘serious and growing socio-economic and environmental [...]