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The role of tourism in the economic development of an LEDC - St. Lucia
Location
The Caribbean island has an area of 610 km2. Area is ideal for farming due to fertile soil from river deposits and weathered volcanic rock. Natural vegetation is tropical rainforest, although now only covers 10% of the land. Endangered turtles come to nest along the coast. Visitor arrivals totalled 425,382 in 1996.
Climate
Dry season lasts from January to April and the wet season from June to October. The interior gets 3 times more rainfall compared to the coast due to relief rainfall caused by the mountains. Hurricanes can occur at the end of the wet season. In October 2001, Hurricane Iris caused extensive damage. Temperatures remain pretty constant, between 25 and 27 degrees celcius.
Development indicators
Infant mortality 15 per 1000 (UK 6) GNP (US$ per capita) 2,980 (UK 21,410)
Doctors (per 100,000 people) 41 (UK 164)
The economy
Employment patterns are changing. In the past, agriculture was the most important sector in the economy.
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Primary 11%
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Secondary 32%
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Tertiary 57%
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Bananas are the most important crop. Banana growers have found it hard to adjust to changes. Struggle to compete with large-scale US firms. Changing EU trade rules opening markets will impact on export earnings. Farmers have tried to diversify. But hard due to hilly land.
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Comprises of just over 170 firms. Making specialised textiles, handicrafts and furniture. Manufactured goods make up less than 5% of exports. Skills shortage makes it difficult for competition on world stage.
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Replaced agriculture as most important industry. One third of population now employed in tourism. Slow growth after decline in banana trade. Economic growth improved since 1998. Economic development closely connected to tourism sector. All-inclusive resorts lead to leakage. Pro-Poor tourism more sustainable option.
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Impacts
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Social
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Economic
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Environmental
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Should see improvement in infant mortality rate and GNP.
Increased benefit with introduction of ‘Pro-Poor tourism'. Diversification of attractions to incorporate community-based tourism. Take advantage of skills in communities (fishing, crafts, cooking, arts and crafts).
New skills obtained will enable local people to stand on own feet.
EU funding for the project pays for training people in business and marketing skills
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More profitable industry will enable country to develop. More tourist related jobs provided. With more money in their pockets, local people are likely to spend more on goods and services, giving the entire economy a boost.
Heavy reliance on one economic activity could leave St Lucia vulnerable if there is a down turn in the industry from events such as terrorist bombings or changing fashions.
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1998 survey showed 65% of coral in Caribbean in danger. Road construction, caused soil to be washed off land when it rains. Increased sedimentation in the sea. Prevents growth of coral. Boats without holding tanks dump sewage. Scuba divers and boats dropping anchor, kill coral.
Mangrove ecosystems, threatened by increased fishing and hunting. Waste dumped. Some completely removed for All-inclusive tourist developments
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Economic progress is slow, but it takes time to change well-established patterns of resort and cruise ship activities. Nevertheless, communities involved in the ‘St Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme' are better off than before.
D.Drake 2009
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