Matthew Olusoji Ilori, Ibrahim Ajagunna, Peter Olabisi Oluseyi, Aderonke Lawal-Are and Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe
There are numerous pressures on the cruise tourism industry as in the recent past, many well-established cruise tourism locations have been turning tourists and ships away due to…
Abstract
Purpose
There are numerous pressures on the cruise tourism industry as in the recent past, many well-established cruise tourism locations have been turning tourists and ships away due to overtourism. It is argued here that now is the time to consider the introduction of new destinations.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on a literature review and discussions with experienced practitioners.
Findings
The cruise industry has continued to evolve and the numbers of people engaging in cruise tourism had been on the increase globally until the Covid-19 pandemic. Medium-sized and mega ships with state-of-the-art facilities were in regular use. Despite the fact that there was a boom, the need for an extension of cruise lines destinations has arisen as there are numerous nations with exciting locations waiting to be discovered. Some of the limitations of such destinations include difficulty of access for large mega ships and infrastructure. A way forward can be found though by engaging local smaller boats/ships to transfer tourists to local destinations.
Research limitations/implications
More work is needed to clarify issues such as (1) the readiness of proposed host communities to receive tourists; (2) terms and conditions of engagement of local boat companies; (3) cruising infrastructure development and (4) facilities upgrading that is compatible with international cruising standards.
Originality/value
This paper highlights some of the issues being faced by cruise companies in well-established tourism destinations. It also emphasizes the need for new, hitherto undiscovered locations to accommodate a likely expansion in demand in the post-Covid-19 era.
Details
Keywords
Ibrahim Ajagunna, Matthew Olusoji Ilori and Eron McLean
The purpose of the theme issue was to enable cruise ship owners and destination governments to critically assess the viability, vulnerability and responsiveness of Caribbean…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the theme issue was to enable cruise ship owners and destination governments to critically assess the viability, vulnerability and responsiveness of Caribbean cruise tourism in the context of the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
This concluding article uses content analysis to re-visit the contributions made to assessing the impact of the pandemic and the implications for Caribbean cruise tourism.
Findings
Governments across the Caribbean will need to re-think how they work with the cruise industry in a more cohesive and integrated way. This initiative is likely to result in the Caribbean having greater latitude in negotiations with the major cruise conglomerates that control over 80% of the industry in the region. Close attention must also be paid to improving local infrastructure and to facilitating the involvement of local people in providing tourists with an authentic Caribbean experience.
Practical implications
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the Caribbean region. In common with the rest of the world, island destinations had to close their borders to mitigate the impact of the virus and as tourism-dependent locations, this has had financial consequences. At present, there is no end in sight, and it is difficult to predict when Caribbean cruise tourism will ever return to pre-pandemic levels.
Social implications
COVID-19 has shown the world that we are all dependent on each other and that greater collaboration is needed to re-open the cruise industry. The pandemic has also shown that rapid technological development is needed to drive change. Further, it can be argued that technology will enable all stakeholders to coordinate their responses, together with support from governments across the Caribbean.
Originality/value
This theme issue explored the impact of COVID-19 on cruise tourism in the Caribbean and it proposes factors to mitigate re-occurrence. The proposals contained in this theme issue provide a guide to help enable governments in the Caribbean region to re-position their respective countries in response to the pandemic and related socio-economic impacts.