Huge blobs of seaweed are choking the Caribbean’s iconic white sand beaches Massive blobs of sargassum seaweed are taking over Caribbean beaches. The seaweed explosion is fueled by pollution washing into the ocean from rivers in the Americas and Africa The following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research. The Caribbean’s sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs filled with an amazing variety of sea creatures have long been the pride of the islands. The big three – sun, sea and sand – have made this tropical paradise the most tourism-reliant region in the world. But now, all of that is under threat. The explosive growth of a type of seaweed called sargassum is wreaking havoc on economies, coastal environments and human health across the islands. I study the intersection of critical infrastructure and disasters, particularly in the Caribbean. The sargassum [...]

Global tourism revenues top $1.5trln Luggage on conveyor belt at airport. Getty Images Image used for illustrative purpose. Getty Images The data was revealed at the 121st session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism in Barcelona Around 285 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2024, 20% more than the same period of last year, while international tourism receipts grew back to $1.5 trillion in 2023, according to UN Tourism data. The data was revealed at the 121st session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism in Barcelona. It welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 18 ministers of tourism, to advance the organisation’s vision for the sector as it achieves full recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to embrace innovation and grow and direct investment into the sector in order to drive its positive transformation. “With [...]

Dive into special summer programming at these caribbean hot spots. Aruba Aruba, Barbados, and St. Maarten just got even more interesting with special summer events for families, couples, and solo travelers. The kids are out of school, the weather is turning warmer, and it’s time to escape the routine. Over 28 million people choose a vacation in the Caribbean each year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and for good reason – turquoise water, soft, sandy beaches, delicious food, tropical drinks, and unique cultures represented on each island make for the perfect tropical getaway. If you traveled for the total solar eclipse, you’ll love this celestial experience. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino turns the full moon into a dinner party at Atardi, a surf and turf pop-up that is indeed steps away from the surf – you’ll sit with your toes in the sand at an elegant [...]