The Tourism Geography of Latin America and the

Caribbean

Learning Objectives

1      Describe the major physical features and climates of Latin America and the Caribbean, and understand their importance for tourism;

2      Appreciate the significance of tourism to the economies of the Caribbean islands;

3      Appreciate the cultural heritage of Latin America and the Caribbean;

4      Recognise the importance of adequate infrastructure and political stability in encouraging tourism development;

5      Recognise the potential for eco-tourism in many of the countries of the region;

6      Appreciate the importance of cruise tourism in the Caribbean;

7      Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts, business

centres and tourist attractions of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Caribbean Islands

• Physical features• Cultural features• Development of Tourism• Types of tourism

– Cruising– All inclusives– Yachting– Diving– Eco-tourism– Cultural-heritage tourism

Caribbean: Resources

• Bahamas– New Providence

– Grand Bahama

• Turks and Caicos• Bermuda• Jamaica

• Cayman Islands• Leeward and

Windward Islands– Antigua

– St. Lucia

– Dominica

– St. Vincent

Caribbean: Resources

• Barbados• Trinidad and Tobago• Virgin Islands• French Antilles• Netherlands Antilles

• Puerto Rico• Hispaniola • Dominican Republic• Haiti• Cuba

Mexico

• Varied physical zones• Major economy• Demand• Supply

Resources:• North and West

– Baja Peninsula– Mexican Riviera

• Central Mexico– Mexico City

• Southern Mexico– Maya Remains– Cancun

Central America

• Guatemala• Belize• El Salvador• Honduras

• Nicaragua• Costa Rica• Panama

South America

• Brazil– Demand

– Supply

– Resources• Amazonia

• North East– Salvador de Bahia

– Fortaleza

– Recife

• Centre West– Brasilia

• South– Rio

– Sao Paulo

South America

• Colombia• Venezuela

– Caracas– Beaches– Andes

• The Guianas– Guyana– Surinam– French Guiana

• Peru– Inca– Machu Pichu– Cuzco

• Ecuador– Quito– Cuenca– Galapagos

• Bolivia

South America

• Paraguay• Uruguay• Argentina

– Iguazu Falls

– Mendoza

– Patagonia

– The Pampas

– Buenos Aires

• Chile– Desert north

– Lake region

– Far south

• Falkland Islands