About This Project

As the climate continues to warm, the length and quality of tourism seasons will change. Small Island Developing States are among those most vulnerable to climate change. Saint Lucia relies on tourism for 40% of its GDP. This research will assess the short, medium, and long-term climate change risks to tourism, and interview tourism stakeholders to determine policy responses. The identification of adaptation needs will be used to inform Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Plan.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Since climate determines the length of tourism seasons, and changes environmental conditions that attract tourists, the industry is one of the most climate sensitive. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are the most vulnerable to climate change. Saint Lucia, like all SIDS, will face impacts of climate change including sea level rise and intense weather events. Despite the economic contribution of tourism in Saint Lucia (39.6% GDP), tourism is not listed as an area of concern in the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. It is unknown if it will be included in the National Adaptation Plan, but news reports have not named it as a concern. Tourism sector vulnerability is a blind spot in the development of a climate-resilient economy.

What is the significance of this project?

The project will assess the climate change risk to tourism in Saint Lucia and the implications for its competitiveness within the Caribbean market. The identification of adaptation needs can be used to inform Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), for which tourism is not listed as a concern. The results can be used to inform future policy and planning, and can inform tourism operators to allow them to plan tourism locations with regard to the impacts of climate change. Overall, this research will aid in protecting a vital industry in Saint Lucia against climate change. SIDS in the Caribbean are projected to experience similar impacts of climate change, so this research can be applied to the NAPs and tourism planning and policy of other nations.

What are the goals of the project?

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to advance the understanding of risks posed by climate change and climate policy for tourism in Saint Lucia. This will be accomplished through four research objectives: (1) Assess the known short-term, medium-term, and long-term climate change risks to tourism on Saint Lucia and their relative timeframes based on scientific literature; (2) Assess the implications of these risks for tourism planning and policy now and over the decades when the impacts are anticipated; (3) Conduct interviews with tourism stakeholders regarding awareness of climate change risks for tourism, and potential responses; and (4) Interpret the implications of adaptation options identified by tourism stakeholders for tourism development on Saint Lucia.