Health and tourism in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

Discusses the major concerns of how environmental matters affect tourist industry and how the industry might impact negatively on the environment, thereby creating a health hazard for all. Identifies priority issues as degradation of the coastal and marine environment, solid and liquid waste mangement and water quality and supply as crucial to tourism. Examines the behaviour related health problems associated with tourism; excess alcoholic consumption, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse and the ability of the health services to respond to these problems. Comments on the need for greater development of health tourism in the region and points to the need for Caribbean governments to collaborate in gathering more data on health and tourism (AU)