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