Mastering Caribbean tourism

This paper attempts to capture the essence of the key elements needed to master tourism in the Caribbean. The author uses his eight years (1994‐2001) hospitality and tourism management and research experience in the Caribbean in writing this paper. He also uses information gathered by participating in ten major hospitality and tourism regional conferences and some 175 elite interviews he conducted with stakeholders of Caribbean tourism during the last three years. The paper analyses the importance of tourism to the Caribbean, key tourist destinations, challenges, sustainable development and community involvement. In conclusion, the author recommends product diversification and well‐planned community participation in tourism development for the Caribbean. The paper also calls for well‐coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure sustainability of tourism development in the Caribbean.