Sustainable Tourism Development The Case of Barbados

This study examines the sustainability of tourism development in Barbados. Barbados is heavily dependent on tourism and the industry is expected to contribute positively to the country’s continued economic prosperity, social development, physical development and associated environmental health. Tourism can have adverse impacts on the society, if not managed and developed in a manner that is in harmony with the environment and the local population. Issues such as management of the island’s water resources, over-crowding and the impact on the environment are of paramount importance. The analysis indicates that tourism development in Barbados is on a sustainable path in harmony with the environment. Specifically, the economic benefits of tourism will continue to accrue to the Barbadian economy well into the long-term, any negative social effects are manageable and the authorities are implementing various measures to deal with the adverse impacts the industry has had on the environment