Bahamas: Eleuthera
Score: 71
"A laid-back paradise" for scuba divers and anyone else in search of a "real place" in the islands. Pollution problems are growing, along with the feeling that it is becoming "a pleasant ghetto of the privileged."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Protected by limited flights and a relative isolation, Eleuthera and its upmarket Harbour Island give visitors a feeling of discovery. However, those who have been going there for 20 years see the changes that new development has brought. Much of this new construction has benefited the local economy, but attention is not being paid to the environmental impacts."
"One of the undiscovered crown jewels of the Out Islands. With the closure of some hotels it appears as if tourism development will remain low key."
"A new, very green and innovative resort—Star Island—is being built [just off Eleuthera] by American David Sklar, with government support and much media attention. In addition, there is a fine environmental research station on Eleuthera."
"With Club Med closing shop on this narrow, 100-mile-long island, Eleuthera is again truly an Out Island, away from the masses that hobnob on Nassau and Grand Bahama. Great place to bonefish and scuba dive. On the northern tip, one takes a ferry to neighboring Harbour Island, which has a New England-colonial feel, like Nantucket plopped in the middle of the Caribbean."
Bahamas: Grand Bahama
Score: 35
"True tourism folly—unfinished shells of hotels, tacky shopping areas.""Cruise ship hell," says another panelist. Wealthy outsiders have bought up all the beachfront, leaving nothing for anyone else. "As a result, the locals are extremely bitter."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Something has gone terribly wrong in the Bahamas. Immensely wealthy tourists (mainly Americans) have bought up all the beachfront; developers have built huge, tacky resorts, and there is nothing left for anyone else."
"Overdeveloped, with the consequent pressures on the environment and social fabric of the community."
"The selling off of 'protected' islands is unconscionable. An unbelievable amount of garbage has washed up on the beaches. 'Locally produced' products in the straw markets are a joke; there should be a quality artisan market."
"A destination dominated by cruise tourism that brings minimum benefits to the local population."
British Virgin Islands
Score: 66
The smaller islands in this group have maintained their lovely charm, but the BVIs are "looking less virginal with each passing year" due to overdevelopment.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"BVI remains a great sailing destination in spite of high peak-season visitation levels. I have been impressed by the condition of reefs compared to similar higher visitation sites in Hawaii. Tortola has yet to see major changes as a result of cruise-line traffic, but this seems inevitable."
"Outer islands have greater sense of environmental control and protection against over-visitation, whereas Tortola is becoming seriously impacted by both growing numbers of tourists and foreign residents."
"Small-island ambience has been maintained despite the increased visits of large cruise ships, which stress specific sites. Away from the most touristed beaches, villages remain authentic. Roads are sometimes inadequate when several large cruise ships visit. Outer islands do not have this problem."
"The BVIs still retain much of their charm, though some developers have proceeded without any nod to that charm. Some resorts operate more like Club Med hideaway/getaways than a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. Anegada is a sleepy gem, with only the barest tourist infrastructure in place. Plenty of cultural integrity left here."
Dominican Republic: North Coast
Score: 41
A land of all-inclusive resorts where visitors hardly glimpse the real life of the place. "The quantity of tourism arriving is a very big problem," notes a panelist. One consequence: "Locals are marginalized and desperate, and the experience is exploitive."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Virtually destroyed by all-inclusive, European-run resorts. Locals are marginalized and desperate, and the experience is either restrictive or exploitative"
"Study in extreme contrasts. There are the slums and there are the high-dollar resorts—with not much else in between. Outside the resorts, the people all seem to be struggling...with poverty, overcrowding, lack of adequate transportation, etc. Inside the resorts, everything is taken care of for the tourists. As a country, the outlook on sustainability is grim. The pollution is awful, with trash along the highways and waterfronts, and vehicles sputtering nasty smoke."
"Environmental and ecological quality threatened by lack of sanitation and solid-waste-disposal systems outside Puerto Plata. Natural lagoons in Cabarete threatened by new hotel and second-residential development. Reef protection off the coast in Montecristi extremely limited. Haitian illegal immigration is displacing Dominicans in hotel construction jobs and placing extreme pressure on local municipalities for the provision of adequate housing and basic services. Crime, drugs, and prostitution have increased in Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete. Youth unemployment is double the national unemployment rate. Condition of built heritage is also under stress. Puerto Plata's Victorian homes are in complete disarray."
Grenada
Score: 61
The island has recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Ivan, keeping its mood of "charming simplicity." Big beachfront developments in the southern half of the island are "beginning to erode the pristine beauty" and diminish the water quality.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"A unique Caribbean island that has had a chance to rebuild from a major hurricane. Development seems to be happening in two streams: 1) cleaning up and rebuilding quality sites with an emphasis on local ownership, and maintaining the natural environment, and 2) manipulation of the local culture, waterfront, and historic structures with truly disastrous, large-scale, luxury condo/housing developments in St. George's."
"Small island that is densely populated. There are some nice beaches, but tourist development on the beach front is beginning to erode some of the pristine beauty. In addition, if beachfront resorts continue to be built, this will result in an unintended denial of recreational activities to the local population."
"Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was a catastrophic blow for the island. However, the flip side was a tremendous infusion of money (insurance and other) as Grenada set about rebuilding its communities and tourism infrastructure. Grenada's developments have, until recently, concentrated in the south, allowing the northern half of the island to maintain its more traditional, rural appearance. But the proposed Ladera Beach project still looms, and other projects are threatening the relative tranquillity of the north."
"Areas outside the capital—Grand Etang, hiking areas, the historic structures at the rum distilleries and nutmeg-processing stations—seem to be well protected."
The Grenadines
Score: 62
A string of several hundred islands that once ranked near the top of our ratings has fallen precipitously in the past two years due to dubious land deals with foreign firms and commercialization catering to cruise ships. Still, it is "a beautiful place that overall remains appealing."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful place, encapsulating varied vistas in a small space. The threat of overdevelopment in a few locales remains high, but the destination overall remains appealing."
"The Grenadines have long fought mass tourism, and so far have not sold out or succumbed to the temptation, despite a few islands falling into private hands for the development of retreats for monied gentry."
"What a pity that the government has sold land owned by future generations to private foreign individuals! Several islands have been sold outright, while islands such as Canouan have over half of their land under private foreign control."
"A mixed bag. Although Mustique is an artificial villa community with virtually no authentic Caribbean character (and a number of homes with absurdly grandiose footprints), the company overseeing the island is making interesting moves regarding waste disposal and runoff. The Tobago Cayes have been markedly improved by the establishment of a marine park. Residents of nearby Union Island are actively involved in protection of the park, recognizing that their future tourism income depends on the islands being pristine. But other islands in the St. Vincent-governed archipelago are not so forward-looking: A major part of 3-square-mile Canouan is consumed by a golf course that leaches chemicals into the reefs. Much of the land on sweet little Mayreau has been purchased by expatriates, putting the character of this 200-inhabitant island at risk. And on St. Vincent, a hair-brained scheme to build an airport large enough for jets from Europe is underway, with construction funds coming from questionable sources."
Jamaica: Port Antonio Area
Score: 59
A historic town spared the pollution, crime, and poor planning bedeviling other parts of Jamaica. "Most tourism benefits go to the wealthy, who have walled off the beautiful coast-line." Not sustainable long-term ecologically or socially.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Port Antonio, the historic town, has much to offer yet is in need of redevelopment. However, the larger Port Antonio area is a gem, with significant cultural- and natural-heritage assets. Even routine events, such as watching the afternoon rain shower sweep across the hill toward you, can be an enchanting experience."
"Resorts tend to deny locals access to the best beaches and coastal areas, which contributes to social problems."
"One of Jamaica's aesthetic gems, with strong appeal despite poorly maintained infrastructure (roads, public buildings, transport). Low crime and healthy forests, rivers, and reefs compared to the rest of Jamaica. Relatively good diving, rafting, and hiking. Most tourism benefits go to the uber-wealthy, many of whom have carved up and walled off the beautiful coastline. The rich cultural history is harder to access and is becoming more packaged and commercialized."
"Efforts need to be made to protect Port Antonio in a way that is cognizant of issues of carrying capacity, coastal-zone management, sewage treatment, and solid-waste management. It has not yet been adequately demonstrated that there is a development plan for the area."
St. Lucia
Score: 57
"Among the most beautiful and lush of the Caribbean islands," being challenged by an increase in problems—tourist dollars bypassing local people, a lack of environmental controls, too many all-inclusive resorts—that go far to explain a seven-point dip in score in just two years.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, with its lush greenness and the charm of its Spanish, French, and British history. A number of high-end tourist developments have started in recent years, but have been in abeyance due to the global economic recession. Several of these have been undertaken with little regard for environmental conservation and now stand as unfinished eyesores in environmentally sensitive areas. On the other hand, some developments have integrated environmental management into their operations, demonstrating that they are environmentally conscious. There are some concerns about coastal water quality in built up areas such as Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay. The Pitons, in the town of Soufrière, are a World Heritage site and are being jealously guarded by the population. There has been an increase in crime in the country, which is cause for concern."
"St. Lucia is at risk. Its government does not enforce its regulations, and hotel development is taking place entirely uncontrolled. There are significant land- and coastal-zone degradation issues. The island has amazing natural resources that are at risk of being lost if something is not done soon."
"There is not a lot of information for tourists to St. Lucia on protection of the region, but this is par for the course for many Caribbean islands. Locals (local authorities/tourism reps) tell people what they think they want to hear. An example is the island's promotion of ecotourism—but some of the activities, such as swimming with dolphins and off-road ATV tours, are harmful and detrimental."
"Too much emphasis on development of all-inclusive resorts has caused resentment among locals, who do not see how they benefit. Many hotels are not locally owned. Lack of regulation has caused environmental coastal problems and urban sprawl in the wake of the fast growth of the tourism industry. Some small and radical initiatives have attempted to provide benefits to grass-roots communities—trying to get tourists to visit villages, have farmers supply hotels—but this is very small-scale. There is a growing awareness of the damage to the island's culture and environment by the tourism industry, but no obvious commitment or action for change."
"A lovely island. However, the relatively large population and lack of job opportunities have led to low pay scales and crime. With the decline in banana revenues, the island has little alternative than to develop its tourism potential, with the problems related to that. On the positive side, the people are pleasant, there are some amazing natural and heritage tourism sites, and the opportunity for the production of geothermal energy exists. It was an eye-opener to see that at one time the town of Soufrière was powered by hydro electric. Why not again?"
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Score: 38
On the Dutch half of the island, "tourism has gobbled up the culture, which is now defined by the hotel/casino industry." The French side is overbuilt but has avoided so far the "fast-food joints," casinos, and concentration of duty-free shops.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"St. Maarten/St. Martin has a split personality. The Dutch side has casinos, fast-food restaurants, cruise-ship docks, and high-rise hotels. It is a typical mass-market tourism disaster. The French side has no casinos, fast-food joints, nor high-rises, but it still has problems, mainly too many hotel rooms and overcrowded beaches. I don't know why the hotel industry and cruise-ship companies can't understand the concept of "carrying capacity." More and more hotel rooms and bigger and bigger ships lead to less and less enjoyment and a diminished destination."
"Dutch St. Maarten is in trouble. St. Martin, the French side of the island, is promising in terms of balancing development with the natural resources. The environmental and ecological quality of Dutch St. Maarten is threatened by overdevelopment. The French side of the island is basically intact."
"The threats to the environment are multiple, mainly on the Dutch part of the island. The strong development of tourism without all the necessary measures to address the environment is provoking damages, many irreversible. A change of mentality in the direction of a sustainable development is necessary, especially with regard to natural resources."
"Beautiful hotels and yet piles of trash and burning of trash. Water supply is an issue here as well. On the Dutch side, a number of hotels are half completed and deserted."
"Contrast Dutch St. Maarten (overcrowded with limited character and way too many cruise passengers) with St. Martin (especially Marigot), which has maintained much of its social and cultural integrity. The Dutch side's outlook is negative; the French side needs to protect what it has."
"This island presents one of the best examples of what islands should avoid in tourism development. Tourism has gobbled up the culture of the island, which now is defined by the hotels, casinos, and other modern developments—not the island's historical, artistic, culinary, or other local heritage. Quality of life is a major consideration for residents as well as visitors. There appears to be widespread interest in making changes."