Attitudes and Perception of Residents from Southern Belize Towards the
Proposed Cruise Tourism Development on Harvest Caye, Placencia
A thesis
submitted in fulfillment of requirements for the degree
of
Bachelor in Business Management
at
University of Belize
Faculty of Management and Social Science
by
Estevan Ico
December, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ………………………………………………………………...…………………………8
Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………………………..9
I. Introduction
Background of the Study………………………………………..…………….…………10
Problem Statement ………………………………………………...…………………… 13
Purpose ………………………...……………….…………………...………………..… 14
Significance of the Study…………………….……………………….………………… 14
Limitations……………………………………………..……….….…………………… 15
Definitions of Terms……………………………………….…………………………… 16
II. Literature Review
Introduction………………………………………………...…………………………… 18
Economic Impacts ………………………………..…………..………………………… 19
Environmental Impacts…………………………………………………………………..20
Socio-cultural Impacts……………………….…………………………………………..21
Model of Support for Tourism Development ………..…………….……………………22
Residents’ Perceptions toward Tourism Development……………….………………….23
Social Exchange Theory…………………………………...…………………………….24
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………..…………..25
III. Research Design/Methodology
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………..…… 26
2
Sample………………………………………………………………………………..…..27
Instrumentation ……………………………………………………………………...…..28
Data Collection…………………………………………………………………………..29
Data Analysis………………………………………………………………………….....30
IV. Presentation and Data Analysis
Introduction ………………………………………………………………….…………..32
Response Rate …………………………………………………………………...………32
Analysis of Sample Demographics and Characteristics…………………………………33
Perceptions and Attitudes ……………………………………………………………… 37
Socio-Cultural Perceptions and Attitudes …………………………..…………..37
Environmental Perceptions and Attitudes ………………………………………46
Economic Perceptions and Attitudes ……………………………………………52
Analysis of Additional Comments ………………………………………………………64
Discussion ……………………………………………………………………………… 76
Concluding Remarks ……………………………………………………….……………78
V. Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions ……………………………………………………………………...………79
Recommendations ………………………………………………………………;;……. 80
References………………………………………………..………………………………………86
Appendices ………………………………………………………………………..……………..91
3
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Address of Respondents ………………………………………………………...……. 34
Table 2 Gender of Respondents ………………………………………………………………. 34
Table 3 Age Range of Respondents …………………………………………………..………..35
Table 4 Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems ………………………………..……………….37
Table 5 Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Socio-Cultural ……………..……………….40
Table 6 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal Activities ……………………………………43
Table 7 Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Socio-Cultural ………………………………44
Table 8 Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Socio-Cultural …………….45
Table 9 Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Environmental Effects ……………….…….. 48
Table 10 Cruise Tourism May Promote Land Transfer to Tourism ………………..………… 49
Table 11 Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Environmental Aspects …………...………50
Table 12 Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Environment …….………51
Table 13 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Economy ……………………………….….……..52
Table 14 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for Residents ………………………..…….53
Table 15 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard of Loving and Quality of Life ………....54
Table 16 Cruise Tourism Will Encourage Development and Improvement of Infrastructure....55
Table 17 Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and Business Opportunities …………….…56
Table 18 Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and Medium Enterprise to Expand ………….…..57
Table 19 Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Economic Effects …………………….……58
Table 20 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices ………………………………………….……..58
Table 21 Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign Capital ……………………………………59
Table 22 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Low Education Trap ………………………...…………60
4
Table 23 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Inflation and Leakages ……………..…………………..61
Table 24 Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Economic Effects ……………...………….61
Table 25 Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Economic …….………….62
Table 26 Overall Attitude Score ……………………………………………………….………63
Table 27 Local Government Should Restrict Cruise Ship Arrivals ……………………………64
Table 28 Southern Belize Should Become More Of a Cruise Tourism Destination ……..……65
Table 29 Degree of Communities’ Benefit ………………………………………………….…66
Table 30 Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize ………………………..……..67
Table 31 Economic Benefits to Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize …………………………68
Table 32 Employment Benefit of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize ………………….……69
Table 33 Community and Social Benefit of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize …………….70
Table 34 Tourism Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize ……………………...……71
Table 35 Community and Social Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues …………..……73
Table 36 Problematic Environmental Cruise Tourism-Related Issues …………………..…….74
Table 37 Problematic Economic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues ……………………...………74
Table 38 Problematic Visitor Management Cruise Tourism-Related Issues …………..………75
Table 39 Problematic Policy Cruise Tourism-Related Issues …………………………...……..75
5
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Age Range of Respondents ………………………………………………….……….35
Figure 2 Ethnicity of Respondents …………………………………………………………….36
Figure 3 Employment Statuses of Respondents ………………………………………………..36
Figure 4 Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems ………………………………………..………38
Figure 5 Will Cruise Tourism Create More Market ………………………………..………….38
Figure 6 Cruise Tourism Will Bring Better Leisure Facilities ……………………..………… 39
Figure 7 Positive Cultural Exchange Increase …………………………………..……………..40
Figure 8 Increase Recreational Opportunities ………………………………………………….40
Figure 9 Cultural Problems Will Arise ………………………………………….……………..41
Figure 10 Traffic Congestion Will Increase ………………………………………………….. 41
Figure 11 Residents Will Adapt Cultural Habits of Tourist …………………..……………….42
Figure 12 Cruise Tourism Will Negatively Affect the Character of Residents ………………..42
Figure 13 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal Activities ………………………...………..43
Figure 14 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Appearance of Our Community …………..…….46
Figure 15 Cruise Tourism May Establish More Protected Areas ………………………..…….46
Figure 16 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Incentives to Protect Systems……………………..…47
Figure 17 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Revenue for Restoration ………………...…………..47
Figure 18 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Pollution and Waste ………………………..……….48
Figure 19 Cruise Tourism May Disrupt Patterns of Animals ………………………………….48
Figure 20 Cruise Tourism May Promote Land Transfer to Tourism …………….……………50
Figure 21 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Economy ………………………….…………….52
Figure 22 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for Residents ……………….……………53
6
Figure 23 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard of Loving and Quality of Life ………...54
Figure 24 Cruise Tourism Will Encourage Development and Improvement of Infrastructure . 55
Figure 25 Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and Business Opportunities …………...….56
Figure 26 Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and Medium Enterprise to Expand ………….….57
Figure 27 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices ……………………………………………..…59
Figure 28 Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign Capital ……………………………..…….60
Figure 29 Local Government Should Restrict Cruise Ship Arrivals …………………….…….64
Figure 30 Southern Belize Should Become More Of a Cruise Tourism Destination ……….....65
Figure 31 Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize ………………………..…….67
Figure 32 Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues ………………………………………..72
Figure 33 Comparison Between the Number or Benefits and Number of Problems …………..76
7
ABSTRACT
Cruise tourism has grown faster than any other sector of the tourism industry,
producing different impacts on destinations in Belize. Objectives of this research were to
focus on the attitudes and perceptions of the residents from southern Belize on the
impacts of the proposed cruise tourism development on Harvest Caye, Placencia. From a
social, environmental and economic viewpoint, the interactions produced by cruise
tourism can bring both positive and negative consequences. The research involved
primary data collection in Toledo, Independence and Placencia in the Stann Creek
District during the last quarter of 2014. The findings revealed that cruise tourism will be
substantially advantageous in the southern part of the country. A wide range of economic,
employment, community and social and tourism benefits were identified; these were
counterbalanced by a number of well-articulated and tangible issues associated with
cruise ship arrivals: these included community and social issues, environmental,
economic, visitor management, and regulations and policy issues. A recommendation for
the government is when approaching the cruise lines, the negotiating policies by
government should be united, educated and transparent, designed to maximize social,
environmental and economic value.
8
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research paper was made possible through the help and support of everyone who
was a part of this study including residents from Punta Gorda Town and surrounding
communities, Independence Village and Placencia. Especially, please allow me to dedicate my
acknowledgment of gratitude toward the following significant advisors and contributors:
Foremost, I have to thank my research advisor, Dr. Philip Castillo for reading my thesis
and providing valuable advice. Without his assistance and dedicated involvement in every step
throughout the process, this paper would have never been accomplished. I would like to thank
you very much for your support and understanding over this past year.
Secondly, I would like to express my special appreciation and thanks to Mr. Glen
Enriquez, lecturer at University of Belize- Toledo. You have been a tremendous mentor for me. I
would like to thank you for encouraging my research. Your advice on both research as well as on
my career have been priceless. You assisted me with quite a lot of the statistical analysis in this
thesis and were very patient with my knowledge gaps in the area.
Finally, I sincerely thank my family, especially my wife, who provided advice and
financial support. The production of this research paper would not have been possible without all
of them. You all kindly read my paper and offered invaluable detailed advices on grammar and
organization.
9
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Despite occasional shocks, international tourist arrivals have shown virtually
uninterrupted growth – from 25 million in 1950 to 278 million in 1980, 528 million in 1995, and
1087 million in 2013 (UNWTO, 2014). Over the years, worldwide demand for cruise tourism
has posted some of the biggest gains within the tourism sector. The constant dynamism in cruise
activity, as well as the increasing number of countries that include cruises as a key product for
their tourism development, has lead the cruise industry to emerge as an integral part of the global
tourism sector over the past few decades. In 2011, the industry generated an estimated 29.3
billion U.S. dollars in global revenue. About 19.2 million passengers traveled on cruise ships
worldwide in 2011, each of them spent an estimated amount of 1,777 U.S. dollars on their cruise
vacation. As the cruise line industry continues to strengthen its global presence and with the
economy in an ongoing recovery mode, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its
cruise line members are looking forward to a positive year of growth with a 2014 passenger
forecast of 21.7 million worldwide guests. For this reason, tourism has become the main focus
for countries and has had several economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts on their
residents.
In the Caribbean, there is reason for the tourism industry to remain optimistic. This
optimism is based on the positive signs of growth following earlier down years. Tourism arrival
numbers have risen, particularly out of North America; hotel revenues moving in the right
direction, albeit with moderate acceleration and tourist spending has increased.
10
All the signs suggest Caribbean tourism is rallying. The region as a whole has regained ground
lost in the heat of the global economic depression in 2008/2009. In 2012, the Caribbean
welcomed nearly 25 million tourists, which is 5.4 per cent more than in 2011. This rate of growth
has outpaced the rest of the world which saw arrivals increase by four per cent.
In Belize, direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to its GDP was BZD432.5 million
(13.5% of total GDP) in 2013, and is forecasted to rise by 4.1% in 2014 (WTTC, 2012). The
total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was BZD1, 173.6mn (36.6% of GDP) in 2013,
and is forecasted to rise by 4.5% in 2014.
In 2013 Travel & Tourism directly supported 17,000 jobs (12.0% of total employment).
This is expected to rise by 4.7% in 2014. The total contribution of Travel and Tourism to
employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry, was 33.0% of total employment
(47,000 jobs). This is expected to rise by 5.1% in 2014 to 49,000 jobs.
Cruise arrivals decreased by 12 % in 2012, with 640,734 visitors coming to Belize (San
Pedro Sun, 2012). Belize had less scheduled cruise calls for 2012. Preceded by a decrease in
cruise arrivals in 2011 and 2012, 2013 saw an increase in cruise visitors to Belize. Overall,
Cruise passenger arrivals grew by 5.7%. In 2013, a total of 677, 350 cruise passengers visited
Belize. The first nine months of 2014 registered an increase of 45% when compared to the first
nine months of 2013. In comparison to last year, cruise ship arrivals saw a 77.9% increase in the
third quarter of 2014 (San Pedro Sun, 2014). Also, each individual month in the slow season saw
an increase when compared to the respective months in 2013: July had a 106.8% increase,
August had a 40% increase and September had a 90% increase. According to BTB, 2014 has
been one of the best years for cruise ship arrivals in Belizean history.
11
Cruise tourism is focused mainly in Belize City and surrounding communities. Toledo
and south Stann Creek, the southernmost district, has experienced very minimal effects of this
activity. The populations are 30, 538 residents 32,166 respectively (Census Report Belize,
2010). The ethnic groups that can be found here are mainly: Mayas, Creoles, Garinagus, East
Indians, and Mestizos. A private development group, Norwegian Cruise Line, had submitted a
proposal that called for the establishment of a new cruise port of call in the southern village of
Placencia. Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian
Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., is an American company operating cruise ships, headquartered in
unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida. Harvest Caye, the new destination — comprising
of two adjoining islands — had been preset to have an “eco-friendly” focus, which will cost
US$50 million. It will include a floating pier, island village with raised-platform structures, a
marina, a lagoon for water sports and a beach. The line also planned a transportation hub to run
offshore excursions to the mainland. In the memorandum of understanding with the Belize
government, Norwegian agreed to adhere to the country’s environmental standards, employ
locals during construction and create a hiring program for Belizeans who want to work on its
ships. Once Harvest Caye opens, those people will have preference for staff positions, the
company said. With this plan, residents in the Toledo District and surrounding communities,
especially Placencia and other villages close by, may be affected directly or indirectly. Attitudes
and perception to this development varied and hence the reason to conduct this study.
12
Problem Statement
Tourism is a major industry and remains a valuable sector in many countries of the world.
Tourism also contributes significantly to the country's economy. Like most destinations, the
development of tourism presents benefits and challenges to a country's economy, environment
and socio-cultural aspects. In late 2009, a private development group submitted a proposal
directly to the Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture that
called for the establishment of a new cruise port of call in the southern village of Placencia. The
proposal, as described by the developers as a small scale or niche cruise tourism in contrast to
Mass Tourism, has provoked much discussion and debate of the benefits and drawbacks of this
sector in Belize. There was a wide spread mixture of attitudes and perception on cruise tourism.
As such, it became important to assess residents’ attitudes and perception of the economic,
environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism in southern Belize and to know whether
residents support tourism development occurring or not. Understanding their attitudes and
perception is complicated. A good understanding of the factors influencing support for
development is important for residents, investors and policy makers (Gursoy & Rutherford,
2004). Resident's must have positive perceptions of tourism in order to sustain tourism
development in a country and it is agreed that active support from the host population contributes
towards sustainability of a country.
13
Purpose
Tourism impacts are very complex to model and as such, investigating residents’
attitudes and perceptions was a good method to analyze the status of tourism impacts prevailing
in a country and to know their support for the future cruise tourism development plan. Therefore,
the purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and perception of the residents of southern
Belize on the effects of the proposed cruise tourism development on Harvest Caye.
Significance of the Study
This study was significant to research. Research is cyclical and the results of this study
significantly contributed to the pool of knowledge derived from similar studies. In Belize, very
few studies have been conducted that is of this nature. However, researchers can review the
results and make comparison of this study with other studies in the world, region or country.
Analysis can lead to identifying trends in the tourism industry, especially in Belize and the
region.
If residents have more positive attitudes towards tourism impacts, tourism development
will be more successful in a community (Sharma, 2004). However, there were many skeptical
statements and non-supporting activities against the proposed cruise development plan
demonstrated by special interest groups and NGOs in the Toledo District. Knowing what the
majority of the residents’ attitudes and perception is may change the atmosphere surrounding this
cruise tourism plan. The results and findings of this study contributed tremendously to theories
like these.
14
Finally, there is overwhelming practical significance of this study. It is intended that the
findings of this research project will be used by local and regional authorities to assess and
evaluate the current cruise tourism industry or any cruise development plan. Knowing what the
citizens in the Toledo District and surrounding communities thinks about the cruise tourism
development plan would allow citizens, investors, government officials, etc. to make educated
decisions about tourism related activities. The findings can be used to plan for future goals as an
individual, a group, a community or as a nation.
Limitations
The study used only a few urban and rural residents of Toledo and south Stann Creek as a
sample. Therefore, the views expressed may not accurately represent the view of all residents of
this region. This also applied to the residents of the communities surrounding the proposed port
site. Since the sample was set at 50, to get a more common view, the sample could have been
increase three or four times more. Thus, the geographic disparity of the sample location was a
major contributor to this limitation. Respondents also had very little knowledge of the cruise
tourism plan for southern Belize and provided unreasonable responses in the pretest. Therefore,
students at the tertiary level and the business community who are expected to possess above
average knowledge on the tourism industry and its development in the country were a part of the
study. However, there was more student participation in this study. The survey questionnaires
were hand delivered and required for the respondent to be able to read and write. There were
some prospective respondents who refused to participate because filling out the questionnaire
15
was time consuming. Other factors that may distort responses were personal, cultural and group
interest opinions.
In Belize, there are only a few studies that have been conducted that are of this nature.
Background information was limited other than those given by tourism organizations based on
statistics collected. There was really no local finding of perception and attitudes to cruise
tourism development or any form of tourism study to compare the findings with or to contribute
to their theories from southern Belize.
The cruise tourism development business plan was new to southern Belize and its
residents. There was no work in progress yet; no jobs, no cruise ships and no positive or
negative effect. This study was only analyzing perceptions and attitudes based on projected
effect that was not experienced yet. So the responses were based on feeling and not evidence or
experience.
The instrument used for this study was a survey questionnaire. Triangulation was
limited. Perhaps other forms of acquiring response could have contributed a lot more. This
could have been feasible taking into consideration the language barriers or literacy rate in
Toledo.
Definition of Terms
BTB – Belize Tourism Board
CLIA - Cruise Lines International Association
Cruise Tourism - Cruise Tourism is defined as traveling for leisure to various destinations on a
ship. The ships are not involved in the transportation industry like the ferries or the cargo ship.
Direct contribution to employment – the number of direct jobs within the Travel & Tourism
industry
16
Direct contribution to GDP – GDP generated by industries that deal directly with tourists,
including hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transport services, as well as the
activities of restaurant and leisure industries that deal directly with tourists.
Economic Impact - The effect that an event, policy change, or market trend will have
on economic factors such as interest rates, consumer confidence, stock market activity,
or unemployment.
Environmental Impact - is defined as any change to the environment, whether adverse or
beneficial, resulting in a facility’s activities, products or services.
GOB - Government of Belize
GDP- Gross Domestic Product
Socio-cultural - of, pertaining to, or signifying the combination or interaction of social and
cultural elements.
Southern Belize – refers to the district in the southern portion of Belize, namely, Toledo and
Stann Creek Districts.
Travel & Tourism – relates to the activity of travelers on trips outside their usual environment
with duration of less than one year
Total contribution to GDP – GDP generated directly by the Travel & Tourism industry plus its
indirect and induced impacts.
UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organization
WTTC - World Travel & Tourism Council
17
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The Tourism Industry has been recognized as a very significant, rapidly growing and the
world’s largest industries. According to the World Trade & Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel &
Tourism’s contribution to world GDP grew for the fourth consecutive year in 2013, rising to a
total of 9.5% of world GDP (US$7 trillion). Around 4.7 million new jobs were created
worldwide in 2013, meaning that the sector now supports nearly 266 million people in
employment – that’s 1 in 11 jobs on the planet. 2014 looks equally positive. Travel & Tourism
GDP is forecasted to grow by 4.3%. WTTC also expect some 6.5 million new jobs to be
generated by this sector. Travel & Tourism forecasts over the next ten years also look extremely
favorable with predicted growth rates of 4% annually. For these reasons, there is an increasing
interest among tourism stakeholders (e.g. researchers, planners, developers) in the possible
contribution of tourism to the social and economic development of a region/country (Albalate
and Bel, 2010). Yet, tourism development is also challenge on the grounds of cultural and/or
environmental degradation (Wayakone et al., 1998).
Residents’ perception is influenced by the positive or negative impacts of tourism
activities. Numerous studies which analyze the impacts summarize them into three categories:
economic, environmental and socio-cultural effects (Murphy 1983; Gunn 1988; Gursoy et al.
2009). Many local communities believe that tourism bring changes in social, cultural,
environmental and economic positions where tourism activities have had a close connection with
the local communities (Richards & Hall, 2000).But according to Diedrich & Garcia-Buades
18
(2008), it is imperative to understand and assess tourism impacts so as to ensure that
sustainability is maintained in the long-term of the tourism industry.
Economic Impacts
Tourism had been widely entertained because of the economic impact is has on
communities. Tourism economic activities can have positive impacts on residents’ welfare, such
as the improvement of the local economy and the standards of living, higher employment,
development and improvement of infrastructure and increased income levels (Liu and Var 1986;
Akis et al. 1996; Tosun 2002). Moreover, tourism brings positive benefits on local economies
and creates a visible impact on a country's national GDP growth which can be an essential
component for community development and poverty reduction (Ashe, 2005). Some examples to
this are instances where tourism creates employment for locals, investment and business
opportunities, tax revenues for government and it also help small and medium enterprises for
countries, regions and communities to expand (Dyer, 2007). However, tourism can have negative
economic impacts on the society. These include too much dependency on foreign capital,
inflation, leakages and a low education trap for locals (Giannoni & Maupertus, 2007). Other
examples of negative externality of tourism are an increase in prices of goods, services, land and
housing.
A few scholars concluded that the tourism activity tends to bring more costs than benefits
to local economies (Chase and Alon 2002). Brida and Zapata (2010) considered cruise tourism
impacts the same way as general tourism impacts. However, the impacts of cruise tourism are
odd and somehow differ to those of standard tourism. For instance, the economic impact depends
on whether the port is a homeport or a port of call. A homeport, a destination from which cruise
trips begin and end, has greater economic benefit because of those who supply goods and
19
services to cruise vessels, cruise passengers and crew. A port of call is a midway stop and may
have a different economic impact since there is need for greater investment in new infrastructure
and the associated maintenance costs (e.g. docking facilities and wharf) would have to be met.
More important is the benefits spread to the residents of local communities (Scheyvens, 2001).
Environmental Impacts
“The environment is probably one of the most important contributors to the desirability
and attractiveness of a destination. Scenic sites, amenable climates and unique landscape features
have an important influence in tourism development and the spatial distribution of tourism
movement.” (Coccossis and Nijkamp, 1995) The environment and it natural resources are
interrelated with tourism in most instances. Tourism depends on the other to survive and
expand.
Tourism may provide incentives to preserve and protect both natural and artificial
systems (Lindsay et al. 2008), whilst on the other hand, the tourism activity may lead to increase
pollution and waste (Andereck et al. 2005).
There are several studies that have identified both the positive and negative
environmental impacts of tourism (Burns & Holden, 1995; Puckzo & Ratz, 2000). The positive
impacts includes encouragement to conserve animals as attractions, establishment of protected or
conserved areas to meet tourist demands, tourism revenue to finance ground repair and site
restoration, improvement to infrastructure prompted by tourist demand, cleaning programs to
protect the attractiveness of location to tourists, development of new/improved sources of supply,
regeneration and/or modernization of built environment, and reuse of disused buildings. On the
contrary, the negative impacts include disruption of breeding/feeding patterns, killing of animals
for leisure (hunting) or to supply souvenir trade, loss of habitats and change in species
20
composition, destruction of vegetation, soil erosion, damage to sites through trampling,
overloading of key infrastructure (e.g. water supply networks), water pollution through sewage
or fuel spillage and rubbish from pleasure boats, air pollution (e.g. vehicle emissions), noise
pollution (e.g. from vehicles or tourist attractions: bars, discos, etc.), littering, depletion of
ground and surface water, diversion of water supply to meet tourist needs (e.g. golf courses or
pools), depletion of local fuel sources, depletion of local building-material sources, land transfers
to tourism (e.g. from farming), detrimental visual impact on natural and non-natural landscapes
through tourism development, introduction of new architectural styles, changes in (urban)
functions, and physical expansion of built-up areas.
Among the negative environmental externalities, Brida and Zapata (2010) mention large
amounts of waste, erosion and degradation of vegetation, deprivation of historical and geological
sites, which are caused mainly by physical and visual impacts produced by human behavior.
Socio-cultural Impacts
Social and cultural impacts refer to changes to resident's everyday experiences as well as
to their values, way of life and intellectual and artistic products such as: arts, artifacts, customs,
rituals and architecture (Law, 1993). The strong interrelated relationship of social and cultural
impacts of cruise tourism is not limited only to the host area population (Glasson, 1995). For
this reason, a community in direct contact with cruise tourism may face cultural problems from
the commercialization of culture, religion and the arts together with the misuse of indigenous
culture as attractions and be forced to adopt cultural habits of the tourists, such as their language,
dress and manner to satisfy visitors (Cohen, 1979).Also, in many parts of the world, tourist
threaten to displace locals. However, (Glasson, 1992) argues that apart from the negative effects
of development, there are cultural benefits and intercultural communication between hosts and
21
visitors that increase good understanding between them and without tourists, local culture and
tradition may have been lost completely, as there is no market for traditional products.
Furthermore, positive socio-cultural impacts of cruise tourism are related to more and better
leisure facilities and cultural exchanges (Liu and Var 1986).
Negative effects may also be detected in terms of an increase in crime, prostitution,
alcohol and drugs (Ap 1992). Recently, Biagi and Detotto (2012) have proposed a
methodological and empirical extension on the relationship between tourism and crime aimed at
measuring the social cost of crime associated with tourism flows in Italy at a provincial level. A
further empirical investigation has also been carried out by Biagi et al. (2012) where it has been
shown that agglomeration and urbanization effects appear to be the main explanation for the
impact of tourism on crime.
In relation to site visitation, Brida and Zapata (2010) said that cruise tourism activity may
result from the fact that cruise passengers tend to “invade” a destination for just a few hours
within a single day. This negative effect is worst in small locations where cruisers compete for
roads, walkways and turns with local residents.
Model of Support for Tourism Development
Researchers on tourism agree that the impacts of tourism can be positive and negative
and that they have a direct occurrence on the host community as a result of tourism development
(Fredline and Faulkner, 2000; Upchurch and Teivane, 2000). An example of this is stated by
Ryan (1991) where he said that the greatest impacts of tourism will occur when there is a greater
gap between the culture and income level of both host and tourist. This means that the
perception of local residents can significantly vary. If residents have more positive attitudes
towards tourism impacts, tourism development will be more successful in a community (Sharma,
22
2004). Sharma (2004) further said that if residents benefit from tourism development, they
support additional tourism planning and development in a community. It is therefore important
that tourism developers develop an understanding of how the communities perceive tourism to
determine what they need to do to gain local support for strategic tourism initiatives (Harrill,
2004). A way to gain local support is to involve the local in the decision making-process
(Bonimy, 2008)
Residents’ Perceptions toward Tourism
From an empirical perspective, residents’ attitudes and perceptions towards cruise
tourism have been investigated in the last decade (Gibson and Bentley 2006; Hritz and Cecil
2008; Diedrich 2010; Brida et al. 2011a).
Through a descriptive analysis, Gibson and Bentley (2006) examine residents’ perceived
social impacts associated with increased levels of cruise tourism in Falmouth in Cornwall (South
West of England). Their results show a positive perception and attitude on cruise tourism in the
city. In an exploratory qualitative analysis in Key West (Florida), Hritz and Cecil (2008)
interviewed seven stakeholders (i.e. business owners, individuals representing specialized
markets city officials, representatives of tourist attractions, and entrepreneurs) about their
perception on cruise tourism. Residents reported that they fear for the island’s calmness and
preservation of culture and resources. Much closer, Diedrich (2010) assesses both locals’ and
tourists’ perceptions of socio-economic and environmental impacts of different types of tourism
development in Belize. Their qualitative analysis does not detect any specific difference in local
perception for cruise and overnight tourism. In Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), Brida et al.
(2011a) use a factor analysis to study residents’ attitude and perception towards cruise tourism
development. They conclude that Cartagena residents perceive that tourism brings to the city
23
much more advantages than disadvantages. Overall, there is a positive balance between the
benefits and costs of cruise tourism emerge.
Social Exchange Theory
A theory that is commonly shared by several authors is the social exchange theory. It
provides a framework for explaining the relationship between individual benefits and perceptions
of economic development (Andereck et al., 2005; Ogorelc, 2009; Aguiló and Roselló, 2005).
Social exchange theory is saying that those residents who are benefitting from the tourism
industry are likely to perceive the tourism industry as positive and therefore, they support the
tourism industry. On the other hand, those who perceive themselves at a lost to tourism would
express attitudes that are negative towards tourism thereby opposing such development.
With an exchange relationship in tourism, satisfaction is obtained from the evaluation of
costs and benefits of the tourism activities. Residents who find satisfaction offer support for
appropriate development projects, collaboration, hospitality, and tolerance to the possible
drawbacks the industry might involve. For example, pertaining the social exchange theory, Ap
(1992) suggests that members who have business or employment interests in the tourism industry
will be more positively disposed to it because they trade off resulting costs with benefits.
Many researchers have considered a large number of factors to that could possible
explain the attitude of the host community towards different types of tourism. Most of their
studies concentrated in more than one factor trying to explain residents’ perception. But, the
main intrinsic variables that have been observed to influence variations in the response to
tourism within a community include geographical proximity to activity concentrations
(Amuquandoh (2010); Jurowski and Gursoy (2004); Sheldon and Var (1984), community
attachment (Um and Crompton (1987); Gursoy and Rutherford (2004); Cannan and Hennessy
24
(1989); Snaith and Haley (1999)), state of the economy (Haukeland, J.V. (1984); Gursoy and
Rutherford (2004); Aguiló and Roselló (2005)), proximity to the tourist zone (Aguiló and Roselló
(2005); Fredline, and Faulkner (2000); Sheldon and Var (1984)), socio-demographic
characteristics (Andriottis (2002); Brida et al. (2010a); Dyer et al. (2007)), degree of tourism
concentration (Pizam (1978)), environmental impacts (Smith and Krannich (1998)¸ Brida et al.
(2010a)) and residents with distinct opinion groups (Andriotis and Vaughan (2003).
Conclusion
In the Belizean context, not much research is done on cruise tourism since this sector is
relatively new in the tourism industry. Unlike other studies, these conclusions are derived from a
population with cruise tourism experience and those have already realized the impacts on their
community. Over the last decade, cruise tourism has been a major business focus in and around
Belize City because the port of call is located there. This study will focus on residents in
southern Belize which will include citizens from Toledo District, and south Stann Creek who
reside close to Placencia Village where the proposed port is to be built. These residents are
comparatively new to Cruise Tourism and ecotourism. Perceptions are based on personal
feelings and interests. The knowledge of the port proposal has already stirred up numerous
debates. In comparison to the other studies reviewed, this study will focus on the residents’
perception about the cruise port facility and the possible impacts that cruise tourism will bring to
their respective communities.
25
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN/METHODOLOGY
Introduction
The methodology that was applied by this study has been chosen in order to acquire
information and deduce conclusions about the attitudes and perception of residents in Toledo
towards the proposed cruise tourism development in Southern Belize. So, for this study the
quantitative approach had been used where questionnaires were chosen as the tool for collecting
data.
There were several models that had been developed to understand residents’ attitudes and
perception towards the impacts of tourism activity and development. For instance, Doxey’s
Irridex model (1975) described how the frustration of residents increases as the number of
tourists increases. The Tourist Area Life Cycle (TALC), proposed by Butler (1980), analysed
tourism activity through exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation and
decline stages. According to this theory, a correlation between residents’ attitudes and the
tourism life cycle phases exist. In the beginning, resident’s attitude may be positive attitude
towards tourists, but as their number increases, the residents start to be concerned about the
effects of tourism in the longer run. This may occur because tourism produces positive effects
mainly for certain stakeholders or because benefits may be unrealistic. Concerns towards
environmental and social costs also emerged.
Ap (1992) suggested adopting the so-called social exchange theory to analyze residents’
response to tourism. This theory suggests relationship between residents and guests is considered
as a trade-off between costs and benefits for each party. According to this theoretical framework,
individuals’ attitudes towards tourism, and the level of support for its expansion, are influenced
26
by community evaluation of the resulting outcomes, which in turn depend on the final full
balance between costs and benefits.
Sample
Studying the entire population of Southern Belize would have been the ideal thing to do.
These communities included Punta Gorda Town and the villages in Toledo, Independence and
Placencia. Because of the unfeasibility to do this, a sample was settled on. According to Black
and Champion (1976), sample is a portion of elements taken from a population, which is
considered to be representative of the population.
For the purpose of this study stratified random sampling was selected. According to
Sakaran (2000), sample sizes larger than 30 and less than 500 are appropriate for most research.
With these limitations in mind, the sample size consisted of 50 respondents selected
disproportionately from the population. The age of 18 years and up were chosen so as to reduce
the risk of getting biased or distorted information.
The sample consisted of experts in the field and those that carry out activities closely
related to the tourism industry and that were not involved in the tourism industry such as
students, teachers, and vendors.
The entire sample population included students, entrepreneurs (small business owners of
restaurants and hotels, vendors, artists, etc.) and residents from Punta Gorda Town, large villages
in Toledo that are located along the Southern Highway (Big Falls, Jacinto, El Ridge, Forest
Home, etc.) and Independence and Placencia in the Stann Creek District. The primary data
required for this study came from this sample.
27
Instrumentation
For this study, the survey instrument used was a structured questionnaire to collect
primary data. This method was chosen because it had better responses rates than other methods
in previous studies (Andereck & Nickerson, 1997). The questionnaire was designed in a simple
way and in a simple language so as to facilitate the respondent in answering it. The survey
questionnaire design for the local residents consisted of three parts. A cover letter was placed at
the top of the questionnaire explaining the purpose of the study. Part A contained questions
relating to the demographic characteristics of the respondent but no names was collected, thus
retaining the privacy of the respondents. The demographic characteristics include: address,
respondent's age, gender, ethnicity and employment status. This section consisted of 5 closeended questions. Closed-ended questions were mainly used since it is easier to collect, analyze
and interpret.
Part B consisted 27 items to capture the resident's attitude and perceptions of the
proposed cruise tourism development in Placencia. Thus, the respondent were asked to indicate
their level of agreement on a five-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). This
section captured perceptions and attitudes on the socio-cultural, environmental and economic
issues related to cruise tourism development. Maddox (1985) recommended the use of a Likertscale in tourism impact research because of its superior validity.
Part C consisted of three close-ended and two open-ended items. The close-ended items
were designed to generate information as to what extend the communities will benefit, whether
local government should restrict cruise ships and whether southern Belize should be promoted as
a cruise tourism destination. The two open-ended items captured from the participants benefits
and problems of cruise tourism in Toledo. In total, there were 9 items on the questionnaire.
28
After completing the questionnaire, a pre-test was carried out to get an idea of the
response that would be obtained before undertaking the main data collection exercise. This
exercise tested validity and reliability. During the pilot test, five people were chosen as sample
to test the validity of the questionnaire. The response were reviewed and analyzed to a minimal
extent. Consequently, it revealed that questions wordings were not well defined or certain
questions are difficult to understand. Questions were refined and simplified accordingly. So, for
this study the researcher ensured that data obtained was truthful and was obtained from good
source because to obtain meaningful data the researcher took the time to explain the
questionnaire to respondents where necessary.
Secondary data which refer to existing data were also reviewed. These included books,
journals, reports from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and documentations from local
and international cruise tourism phenomenon.
Data Collection
Data collections were carried out with the help of a suitable and competent colleague at
different sites of the sample locations. This colleague was a part of the validity-reliability pre-test
sample. The roles and expectations from this assistant were clearly defined. The fifty
questionnaires were equally shared between the two interviewers. The questionnaires were
straightforward to avoid difficulty in the completion process. Participants were able to see the
importance of the study from the very beginning of the survey; therefore they were comfortable
and willing to corporate in completing the questionnaires.
Punta Gorda town is the largest and is the commercial center of Toledo. At this location,
university students and business people were easily found for the survey. This is a place where
people all over the district meet for personal or business purposes. Saturdays mornings is usually
29
a time when the town is very busy because it is the weekend and it is also market day where
most, if not all business are open. A Saturday was selected to conduct this survey in Punta
Gorda Town. An additional two days was required to conduct surveys in the other sample
locations.
During the survey, business establishments and university (Galen and University of
Belize) campuses were visited. The questionnaires were hand delivered. The purpose of the
study was explained and participants chose to either participate or not. Some participants chose
to self-administer the questionnaire and some required the assistance of the researcher. In these
cases, data collection happened in the form of an interview. For the self-administered
questionnaire, the respondents were given ample time to fill their questionnaires and help was
provided to them when necessary.
Secondary data were collected by the researcher through the use of the internet, journals
from the university’s library, and reports from tourism related offices, for example, the Belize
Tourism Board. The secondary data contributed toward the formation of background
information, essential to both the researcher in order to build constructively the study and the
reader to comprehend more thoroughly the survey outcome.
Data Analysis
After the survey was conducted, data were analyzed by SPSS 21 Analytical Software.
Data were screened to make sure that the responses are clear especially for the open-ended
sections. The questions were coded after which the statistical program was written. Data were
entered followed by error checking. Data analysis was carried out by using descriptive statistics
such as mean, percentages, standard deviation, and reliability testing. The results were then
30
illustrated by the use of tables, bar charts and graphical representations to derive meaning from
the response given in the survey.
31
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Introduction
In this chapter the results of the data analysis are presented. The data was organized and
evaluated with the SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Sciences) software version 21 and for the
evaluation; descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentages, means and standard
deviation) were employed. The data were processed in response to the problems posed in chapter
one of this thesis.
Two fundamental goals drove the collection of the data and the subsequent data analysis.
Those goals were to develop a base of knowledge about residents’ attitudes and perception of the
economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism in southern Belize, and to know
whether residents support tourism development occurring or not. These objectives were
accomplished. The findings presented in this chapter demonstrate the potential for merging
theory, practice and reality.
Response Rate
The sampling plan originally called for stratified random sampling of residents from
Southern Belize. However, a disproportional stratified sample was suitable. Punch (2003) stated
that a low response rate can raise questions according to whether the response received were
representative of the sample or were in some way biased. However the researcher should strive
for a response rate of at least 60 percent. Therefore, as regards to this study, 50 questionnaires
were personally hand delivered to the liable residents and 49 questionnaires were completed and
collected. All the collected questionnaires were deemed good to be analyzed. Hence, a feedback
of 98% in this research is therefore taken to be acceptable. On November 20, 2014, twenty-five
32
questionnaires were delivered to students from the University of Belize. These respondents
included students from urban and rural Toledo coming from various ethnic groups. They all
chose to complete the questionnaire themselves. From November 24 to December 3, 2014, the
remaining twenty-five questionnaires were distributed to residents from Punta Gorda Town,
Independence and Placencia. The response process varies. Some were conducted in the form of
an interview while others need time to fill in the questionnaire. In such case, the questionnaires
were picked up another day.
The survey results are presented in three sections: analysis of sample demographics and
characteristics, analysis of the perceptions and attitudes on the proposed cruise tourism
development plan in Placencia, and analysis of additional comments provided by the
respondents.
I Analysis of Sample Demographics and Characteristics
The following section describes the demographics features of the sample being studied
and the participants were asked to provide information about their address, age, gender,
ethnicity, and employment status. These variables were analyzed as follows;
1. Address
Table 1 shows the current address of the respondents. The results indicate that Rural
Toledo (28.6%), Punta Gorda Town (32.7%), Independence (10.2%), and Placencia (28.6%)
made up the sample size. Most of the respondents were from Punta Gorda Town (32.7%).
Combined, 61.2% of the respondents were from Toledo while 38.8% were from Independence
and Placencia.
33
Frequency
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Rural Toledo
14
28.6
28.6
28.6
Punta Gorda Town
16
32.7
32.7
61.2
5
10.2
10.2
71.4
Placencia
14
28.6
28.6
100.0
Total
49
100.0
100.0
Independence
Valid
Percent
Table 1
Address of Respondents
2. Gender
Table 2 shows an overall gender distribution has a slight variation. This distribution was
42.9% males and 57.1% females. All respondents indicated their gender.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Male
21
42.9
42.9
42.9
Female
28
57.1
57.1
100.0
Total
49
100.0
100.0
Table 2
Gender of Respondents
3. Age
Of the sample population, Table 3 and Figure 1 shows that 53.1% of the respondents are
of the ages 18-25 years. There are major variations noticed. The amount of respondents
significantly decreases as age increased. 20.4% are 26-35 years, 12.2% are 36-45 years, 10.2%
are 46-55 years and 4.1 % are 56-65 years old. There are no respondent who are above the age of
65. Combined, respondents who are 26 years or older are only 46.9% compared to the total that
are still in their teens (53.1%).
34
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
18-25
26
53.1
53.1
53.1
26-35
10
20.4
20.4
73.5
36-45
6
12.2
12.2
85.7
46-55
5
10.2
10.2
95.9
56-65
2
4.1
4.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Total
Table 3
Age Range of Respondents
Figure 1
Age Range of Respondents
4. Ethnicity
Statistics in Figure 2 show that residents of creole descent constitute 36.7% of the sample
population indicating a majority. This is followed by the Maya (26.5%), Mestizo and those who
said “Others” tied at 14.3 % and Garifuna (8.2%) indicating the least.
35
Figure 2
Ethnicity of Respondents
5. Employment Status
Figure 3 shows that majority of the respondents were unemployed (38.8%). Altogether, those
who are somehow employed sums up to 59.2% (22.4% employed full-time, 8.2% employed halftime and 28.6% self-employed). Only one respondent (2%) indicate “Not in the Workforce.”
There were some variations in the employment status. These were, in part, age related. The
employed full-time and self-employed are of the middle age ranging from 25-55 years. The
unemployed are younger respondents who are students.
Figure 3
Employment Statuses of Respondents
36
II Perceptions and Attitudes
6. Analysis of the Perceptions and Attitudes on the Proposed Cruise Tourism
Development Plan in Placencia
This first item in Part B represents respondents with 28 statements about cruise ship
tourism. These statements were adapted (to focus on cruise tourism) from a set of scale items
developed in other tourism research to measure the socio-cultural, environmental and economic
impact of cruise tourism. Respondents were asked to indicate on a five-point likert scale from
“1=strongly disagree” to “5=strongly agree” for each statement provided. These data are
reported in graphical forms.
Socio-Cultural Perceptions and Attitudes
S1
Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems
Table 4 and Figure 4 shows that many of the respondents (32.7%) agreed that Cruise Tourism
benefit will outweigh the problems. No respondent strongly agreed. 28.6 % of the respondents
are neutral about the statement and 6.1 % don’t know. On the contrary, 14.3 % strongly
disagreed and 18.4% disagreed. Combined, 32.7% either disagreed or strongly disagreed that the
benefits will outweigh the problems matching up to the 32.7% who simply agreed.
Benefits will outweigh the problems
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
7
14.3
14.3
14.3
Disagree
9
18.4
18.4
32.7
Neutral
14
28.6
28.6
61.2
Agree
16
32.7
32.7
93.9
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Don't Know
Total
Table 4
Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems
37
Figure 4
Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems
Positive Socio-Cultural Effects
S2
Will Cruise Tourism Create More Market
The figures below show the responses on positive socio-cultural impact of cruise tourism. In
figure 5, the statistics shows that a total 65.3% (18.4% of this strongly agreed) agreed that cruise
tourism will create more markets for traditional products. 12.5% disagreed and 22.4% are
neutral to the statement.
Figure 5
Will Cruise Tourism Create More Market
38
S3
Cruise Tourism Will Bring Better Leisure Facilities
Figure 6
Cruise Tourism Will Bring Better Leisure Facilities
Figure 6 above shows that 34.7% agreed and 12.2% strongly disagreed that cruise
tourism will bring better leisure facilities. On the other hand, 12.2 % disagree and 4.1% strongly
disagreed. 28.6% were neutral and 8.2% don’t know. This statistics shows a majority who either
agreed or strongly agreed.
S4
Positive Cultural Exchange Increase
In figure 7, statistics shows that 46.9% agreed and 14.3% strongly agreed that cruise
tourism will promote positive cultural exchange that will increase good understanding of culture.
6.1% and 4.1% disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively. 24.5% remained neutral while
4.1% didn’t know.
39
Figure 7
S5
Positive Cultural Exchange Increase Figure 8 Increase Recreational Opportunities
Increase Recreational Opportunities
Figure 8 shows the same pattern. Most agreed that cruise tourism will increase and
improve the quality of outdoor recreational facilities for residents than those who disagreed.
On the positive socio-cultural aspects of cruise tourism, the trend is similar. Table 5
shows the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the level of overall agreement.
Positive Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
S1 Will Benefits Outweigh the Problems
3.04
3.00
4
S2 Will cruise tourism create more market
3.71
4.00
4
S3 Cruise tourism will bring better leisure
facilities
S4 Positive cultural exchange will increase
3.63
4.00
4
3.73
4.00
4
S5 Cruise tourism will increase recreational
opportunities
Overall Mean Score
3.45
4.00
4
Table 5
3.512
Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Socio-Cultural
40
Negative Socio-Cultural Effects
S6
Cultural Problems Will Arise
The figures below show the responses on negative socio-cultural impact of cruise
tourism. In figure 9, statistics shows that 32.7% agreed and 8.2% strongly agreed that residents
will face cultural problems from commercialization of culture, religion and the art together with
the misuse of indigenous culture as attractions. Together, this is 40.9% of the respondents
indicating a majority. 28.6% disagreed, 6.1% strongly agreed, 24.5% remained neutral and 8.2%
said they did’t know.
Figure 9
S7
Cultural Problems Will Arise
Figure 10 Traffic Congestion Will Increase
Traffic Congestion Will Increase
Figure 10 above shows that 2% strongly disagreed, 24.5% disagreed, 20.4% remained
neutral, 38.8% agreed, 12.2% strongly agreed and 2% didn’t know if cruise tourism will increase
traffic congestion where cruisers compete for roads, walkways, and turns with local residents.
The statistics indicate a majority agreeing or strongly agreeing to the statement.
41
S8
Residents Will Adapt Cultural Habits of Tourists
Figure 11 shows that 10.2% strongly disagreed, 26.5% disagreed, 14.3% remained
neutral, 32.7% agreed, 14.3% strongly agreed and 2% didn’t know if residents will be forced to
adapt cultural habits of the tourists, such as their language, dress and manner to satisfy visitors.
Combined, 47% agreed or strongly agreed to the statement compared to 36.7% either disagreed
or strongly disagreed.
S9
Cruise Tourism Will Negatively Affect the Character of Residents
Figure 12 shows that 2% strongly disagrees, 32.7% disagrees, 20.4 % remained neutral,
18.4% agreed, 14.3% strongly agreed and 12.2% didn’t know if cruise tourism will negatively
affect the character and charm of the local residents. Combined, 34.7% of the respondents either
strongly disagreed or disagreed to the statement comparing 32.7% either agreeing or strongly
agreeing. However, there are more respondents who strongly agreed than those who strongly
disagreed.
Figure 11
Residents Will Adapt Cultural Habits
of Tourist
42
Figure 12 Cruise Tourism Will Negatively
Affect the Character of Residents
S10
Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal Activities
Table 6 and figure 13 shows that 51% either agreed or strongly agreed compared to
26.5% who either disagreed or strongly disagreed on whether cruise tourism will increase the
amount of crime, prostitution, alcohol and drugs in the region.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
3
6.1
6.1
6.1
10
20.4
20.4
26.5
Neutral
8
16.3
16.3
42.9
Agree
18
36.7
36.7
79.6
Strongly Agree
7
14.3
14.3
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Disagree
Valid
Total
Table 6 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal Activities
Figure 13 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal Activities
43
On the negative socio-cultural aspects of cruise tourism, the trend is similar. Table 7
shows the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the level of overall agreement.
However, caution is needed in interpreting these results, particularly S9 with a mean score of
3.47 and yet their graphs indicate a quite different distribution of agreement and disagreement.
Negative Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
S6 Cultural Problems Will Arise
3.08
3.00
4
S7 Traffic congestion will increase
3.41
4.00
4
S8 Residents will adapt cultural habits of
tourists
S9 Cruise Tourism Will Negatively Affect
the Character of Residents
S10 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal
Activities
Overall Mean Score
3.20
3.00
4
3.47
3.00
2
3.51
4.00
4
Table 7
3.334
Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Socio-Cultural
Overall, with the socio-cultural effects of Cruise Tourism, the negative statements
attracted higher numbers of agreement than did the positive ones. Table 8 shows the four
positive and five (all) negative statements recording the highest level of agreement; the
frequency and percentage of respondents reporting that they ‘strongly agreed’ with each
statement is also shown. These figures clearly show that a majority of respondents (63.3%), a
total of 31 respondents, strongly agree to the negative effects that cruise ship tourism will bring
to southern Belize. Agreement was much weaker in respect of the positive statements with no
respondent (0%) strongly agreeing that cruise ship tourism benefits will outweigh the problems.
44
Highest Level of Agreement
Positive Statements
Mean Score
Frequency
% Strongly
Agreeing
S2 Will cruise tourism create more market
3.71
9
18.4
S3 Cruise tourism will bring better leisure
facilities
S4 Positive cultural exchange will increase
3.63
6
12.2
3.73
7
14.3
S5 Cruise tourism will increase recreational
opportunities
Total
3.45
5
10.2
27
55.1
Negative Statements
S6 Cultural Problems Will Arise
3.08
4
8.2
S7 Traffic congestion will increase
3.41
6
12.2
S8 Residents will adapt cultural habits of
tourists
S9 Cruise Tourism Will Negatively Affect
the Character of Residents
S10 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Criminal
Activities
Total
3.20
7
14.3
3.47
7
14.3
3.51
7
14.3
31
63.3
Table 8
Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Socio-Cultural
45
Environmental Perceptions and Attitudes
Positive Environmental Effects
S11
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Appearance of Our Community
Figure 14 shows that 2% strongly agreed, 26.5% agreed, 18.4% remained neutral, 40.8%
agreed and 12.2% strongly agreed that cruise tourism will improve the appearance of their
community. Combined, 28.6% either disagreed or strongly disagreed comparing to 53% either
agreed or strongly agreed.
Figure 14 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
Appearance of Our Community
S12
Figure 15 Cruise Tourism May Establish
More Protected Areas
Cruise Tourism May Establish More Protected Areas
Figure 15 above shows that 4.1% strongly disagreed, 6.1% disagreed, 24.5% remained
neutral, 46.9% agreed, 10.2% strongly agreed and 8.2% didn’t know if cruise tourism will
encourage the conservation of animals as attractions and the establishment of more protected or
conserved areas to meet tourist demands. Statistics show that most respondents (57.1%) either
agreed or strongly agreed.
46
S13
Cruise Tourism Will Provide Incentives to Preserve and Protect Systems
Figure 16 Shows that 2% strongly disagreed, 10.2% disagreed, 24.5% selected neutral,
40.8% agreed, 14.3% strongly agreed and 8.2% didn’t know if cruise tourism may provide
incentives to preserve and protect both natural and artificial systems in the region. Statistics
show that most respondents (55.1%) either agreed or strongly agreed to the statement.
Figure 16 Cruise Tourism Will Provide
Incentives to Protect Systems
S14
Figure 17 Cruise Tourism Will Provide
Revenue for Restoration
Cruise Tourism Will Provide Revenue for Ground and Site Restoration
Figure 17 shows that 4.1% strongly disagreed, 14.3% disagreed, 20.4% selected neutral, 40.8%
agreed, 12.2% strongly agreed and 8.2% didn’t know that cruise tourism will provide revenue to
finance ground repair and site restoration. Statistics show that most respondents (53%) either
agreed strongly agreed to the statement.
On the positive environmental aspects of cruise tourism, the trend is similar. Table 9
shows the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the level of overall agreement.
47
S11
S12
S13
S14
Positive Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
3.35
4.00
4
Appearance of Our Community
Cruise Tourism May Establish More
3.78
4.00
4
Protected Areas
Cruise Tourism Will Provide
3.80
4.00
4
Incentives to Preserve and Protect
Systems
Cruise Tourism Will Provide Revenue
3.67
4.00
4
for Ground and Site Restoration
Table 9 Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Environmental Effects
Negative Environmental Effects
S15
Cruise Tourism Will Increase Pollution and Waste
Figure 18 shows that 2% strongly disagreed, 8.2% disagreed, 20.4% selected neutral,
40.8% agreed, 24.5 % strongly agreed and 4.1% didn’t know that cruise tourism activity will
lead to increase pollution and waste. Statistics show that more than half of the respondents
(65.3%) either agreed or strongly agreed to the statement. This statement recorded the highest
amount of strong agreement.
Figure 18 Cruise Tourism Will Increase
Pollution and Waste
Figure 19
48
Cruise Tourism May Disrupt
Patterns of Animals
S16
Cruise Tourism May Disrupt Patterns of Animals
Figure 19 shows that 6.1% strongly disagreed, 18.4% disagreed, 28.6% selected neutral, 18.4%
agreed, 22.4 % strongly agreed and 6.1% didn’t know if cruise tourism will cause disruption of
breeding/feeding patterns, killing of animals for leisure (hunting) to supply souvenir trade.
Statistics shows that most respondents were neutral to the statement while agreement exceeded
disagreement.
S17
Cruise Tourism May Promote Land Transfer to Tourism
Table 10 and Figure 20 shows that 6.1% strongly disagreed, 18.4% disagreed, 28.6%
selected neutral, 18.4% agreed, 22.4 % strongly agreed and 6.1% didn’t know if cruise tourism
will promote land transfers to tourism (e.g. from farming). Statistics indicate that Majority of the
respondents were neutral to the statement while agreement exceeded disagreement.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
6
12.2
12.2
14.3
Neutral
17
34.7
34.7
49.0
Agree
15
30.6
30.6
79.6
Strongly Agree
6
12.2
12.2
91.8
Don't Know
4
8.2
8.2
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 10 Cruise Tourism May Promote Land Transfer to Tourism
49
Figure 20 Cruise Tourism May Promote Land Transfer to Tourism
Environmental Perceptions and Attitude
On the negative environmental aspects of cruise tourism, the trend is similar but has a
wide variation. Table 11 shows the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the
level of overall agreement. However, emphasis is needed in interpreting these results,
particularly S15 with a mean score of 3.90. There was an overwhelming agreement to the
statement.
S15
S16
S17
Negative Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
Cruise Tourism Will Increase
3.90
4.00
4
Pollution and Waste
Cruise Tourism May Disrupt
3.51
3.00
3
Patterns of Animals
Cruise Tourism May Promote Land
3.63
4.00
3
Transfer to Tourism
Table 11 Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Environmental Aspects
50
Overall, with the environmental effects of cruise tourism, the positive statements
attracted higher numbers of agreement than did the negative ones. Table 12 shows the four
positive and three negative statements recording the highest level of agreement; the frequency
and percentage of respondents reporting that they ‘strongly agreed’ with each statement is also
shown. These figures clearly show that on an average, 12.23% strongly agreed to each positive
statement. A majority of respondents (48.9%), a total of 24 respondents, strongly agree to the
positive effects that cruise ship tourism will bring to southern Belize. Agreement was much
weaker in respect of the negative statements with most respondents being neutral to S16 and S17.
But, S15 saw that most agreement in comparison to the entire positive and other negative
statements.
Highest Level of Agreement
Positive Statements
Mean Score
S11
Frequency
% Strongly
Agreeing
12.2
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
3.35
6
Appearance of Our Community
S12 Cruise Tourism May Establish More
3.78
5
10.2
Protected Areas
S13 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Incen3.80
7
14.3
tives to Preserve and Protect Systems
S14 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Revenue
3.67
6
12.2
for Ground and Site Restoration
Total
24/4 = 6
48.9/4 = 12.23
Negative Statements
S15 Cruise Tourism Will Increase
3.90
4
8.2
Pollution and Waste
S16 Cruise Tourism May Disrupt Patterns
3.51
6
12.2
of Animals
S17 Cruise Tourism May Promote Land
3.63
7
14.3
Transfer to Tourism
Total
17/3 = 5.67 34.7/3 = 11.57
Table 12 Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Environment
51
Economic Perceptions and Attitudes
Positive Economic Effects
S18
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Economy
Table 13 and Figure 21 shows that 55.1% agree and 16.3% strongly agree that cruise
tourism will improve the economy. Together, this is 71.4% of the total respondents in agreement
with the statement.
Cruise Tourism may improve economy in Toledo
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
5
10.2
10.2
12.2
Neutral
8
16.3
16.3
28.6
Agree
27
55.1
55.1
83.7
8
16.3
16.3
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Strongly Agree
Total
Table 13 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Economy
Figure 21 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Economy
52
S19 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for Residents
Table 14 and Figure 22 shows that 55.1% agreed and 16.3% strongly agreed that cruise
tourism will provide good jobs for residents. Total is 71.4% is agreement to this statement.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
2
4.1
4.1
4.1
Disagree
8
16.3
16.3
20.4
Neutral
4
8.2
8.2
28.6
Agree
27
55.1
55.1
83.7
8
16.3
16.3
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Strongly Agree
Total
Table 14
Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for Residents
Figure 22 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for Residents
53
S20 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard of Loving and Quality of Life
Table 15 and Figure 23 shows that a total of 63.3% are in agreement that cruise tourism
will improved standard of living therefore improving the quality of life for residents. 22.2% are
in disagreement.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
6
12.2
12.2
14.3
Neutral
9
18.4
18.4
32.7
Agree
22
44.9
44.9
77.6
Strongly Agree
9
18.4
18.4
95.9
Don't Know
2
4.1
4.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 15 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard of Loving and Quality of Life
Figure 23
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard of Loving and Quality of Life
54
S21
Cruise Tourism Will Encourage Development and Improvement of Infrastructure
Table 16 and Figure 24 shows that a total of 67.3% agreed or strongly agreed that cruise
tourism will encourage development and improvement of infrastructure in the region. 10.2%
disagreed or strongly disagreed.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
4
8.2
8.2
10.2
Neutral
8
16.3
16.3
26.5
Agree
27
55.1
55.1
81.6
Strongly Agree
6
12.2
12.2
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 16 Cruise Tourism Will Encourage Development and Improvement of Infrastructure
Figure 24 Cruise Tourism Will Encourage Development and Improvement of Infrastructure
55
S22
Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and Business Opportunities
Table 17 and Figure 25 shows that a total of 73.4% either agreed or strongly agreed that
cruise tourism will create investment and business opportunities. 6.1% disagreed and no
respondent strongly disagreed.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Disagree
3
6.1
6.1
6.1
Neutral
9
18.4
18.4
24.5
Agree
28
57.1
57.1
81.6
Strongly Agree
8
16.3
16.3
98.0
Don't Know
1
2.0
2.0
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Total
Table 17 Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and Business Opportunities
Figure 25 Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and Business Opportunities
56
S23
Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and Medium Enterprise to Expand
Table 18 and Figure 26 shows that 57.2% either agreed or strongly agreed that cruise
tourism will assist small and medium enterprises to expand. 12.2% either disagreed or strongly
disagreed.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
5
10.2
10.2
12.2
Neutral
10
20.4
20.4
32.7
Agree
21
42.9
42.9
75.5
Strongly Agree
7
14.3
14.3
89.8
Don't Know
5
10.2
10.2
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 18 Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and Medium Enterprise to Expand
Figure 26 Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and Medium Enterprise to Expand
57
On the positive economic effects of cruise tourism, the trend is similar. Table 19 shows
the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the level of overall agreement.
S18
S19
S20
S21
S22
S23
Positive Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
3.73
4.00
4
Economy
Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs
3.63
4.00
4
for Residents
Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
3.78
4.00
4
Standard of Loving and Quality of Life
Cruise Tourism Will Encourage
3.86
4.00
4
Development and Improvement of
Infrastructure
Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and
3.90
4.00
4
Business Opportunities
Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and
3.88
4.00
4
Medium Enterprise to Expand
Table 19 Comparison of Mean Scores – Positive Economic Effects
Negative Economic Effects
S24
Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices
Table 20 and Figure 27 shows that a total of 69.3% either agreed or strongly agreed that
cruise tourism will increase prices of goods, services, land and housing. 10.2 % either disagreed
or strongly disagreed.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
4
8.2
8.2
10.2
Neutral
6
12.2
12.2
22.4
Agree
23
46.9
46.9
69.4
Strongly Agree
11
22.4
22.4
91.8
4
8.2
8.2
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Don't Know
Total
Table 20 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices
58
Figure 27 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices
S25
Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign Capital
Table 21 and Figure 28 shows that 63.2% either agreed or strongly agreed that cruise
tourism will depend too much on foreign capital. 10.2 % are in disagreement.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
3
6.1
6.1
6.1
Disagree
2
4.1
4.1
10.2
Neutral
10
20.4
20.4
30.6
Agree
23
46.9
46.9
77.6
Strongly Agree
8
16.3
16.3
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 21 Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign Capital
59
Figure 28 Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign Capital
S26
Cruise Tourism Will Cause Low Education Trap
Table 22 shows that 36.7% either agreed or strongly agreed that cruise tourism will cause
a low education trap for locals. Slightly less (30.6%) either disagreed or strongly disagreed to
the same statement. A large number of the respondents are neutral.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
Valid
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
14
28.6
28.6
30.6
Neutral
13
26.5
26.5
57.1
Agree
12
24.5
24.5
81.6
Strongly Agree
6
12.2
12.2
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 22 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Low Education Trap
60
S27
Cruise Tourism Will Cause Inflation and Leakages
Table 23 shows that 36.7% either agreed or strongly agreed that Cruise Tourism Will
Cause Inflation and Leakages. Slightly less (30.6%) either disagreed or strongly disagreed to the
same statement. A large number of the respondents are neutral.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
Valid
1
2.0
2.0
2.0
Disagree
14
28.6
28.6
30.6
Neutral
13
26.5
26.5
57.1
Agree
12
24.5
24.5
81.6
Strongly Agree
6
12.2
12.2
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 23 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Inflation and Leakages
On the negative economic effect of cruise tourism, the trend is similar but has some
variation. Table 24 shows the mean scores of each of the statement graphs indicating the level of
overall agreement. However, emphasis is needed in interpreting these results, particularly S26
and S27 with both having a mean score of 3.35. Most respondent disagreed to the statements.
S24
S25
S26
S27
Negative Statements
Mean
Median
Mode
Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices
4.04
4.00
4
Cruise Tourism Will Depend on
3.82
4.00
4
Foreign Capital
Cruise Tourism Will Cause Low
3.35
3.00
2
Education Trap
Cruise Tourism Will Cause Inflation
3.35
3.00
2
and Leakages
Table 24 Comparison of Mean Scores – Negative Economic Effects
Overall, of the economic effects of cruise tourism, the negative statements attracted
higher numbers of agreement than did the positive ones. Table 25 shows the six positive and
61
four negative statements recording the highest level of agreement; the frequency and percentage
of respondents reporting that they ‘strongly agreed’ with each statement is also shown. These
figures clearly show that on an average, 15.78% strongly agreed to each negative statement. A
total of 63.1% of respondents strongly agreed to the negative effects that cruise ship tourism will
bring to southern Belize. Agreement was much weaker in respect of the positive statements with
S21 and S22. Most respondents strongly agreed on of the negative effect S24.
Highest Level of Agreement
Positive Statements
Mean Score
Frequency
% Strongly
Agreeing
16.3
S18 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the
3.73
8
Economy
S19 Cruise Tourism Will Provide Good Jobs for
3.63
8
16.3
Residents
S20 Cruise Tourism Will Improve the Standard
3.78
9
18.4
of Loving and Quality of Life
S21 Cruise Tourism Will Encourage
3.86
6
12.2
Development and Improvement of
Infrastructure
S22 Cruise Tourism Will Create Investment and
3.90
6
16.3
Business Opportunities
S23 Cruise Tourism Will Assist Small and
3.88
7
14.3
Medium Enterprise to Expand
Total
44/6 = 7.33 93.8/6 = 15.63
Negative Statements
S24 Cruise Tourism Will Increase Prices
4.04
11
22.4
S25 Cruise Tourism Will Depend on Foreign
3.82
8
16.3
Capital
S26 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Low
3.35
6
12.2
Education Trap
S27 Cruise Tourism Will Cause Inflation and
3.35
6
12.2
Leakages
Total
31/4 = 7.75 63.1/4 = 15.78
Table 25 Statements Attracting the Highest Level of Agreement – Economic
62
A calculation of mean overall score (i.e., for all positive and negative statement items
separately) was undertaken on the scale ‘flipped’ to standardise ranking scores. The mean overall
score was assigned to one of three groups depending on their overall score:
 The ‘negative’ group included those with a mean score of less than three;
 Those with a mean score of four or over were ‘positive’; and,
 All those with mean scores of three were ‘neutral’.
This calculation showed that the positive statements (3.66) have a slightly larger “mean
overall score” and the negative statements (3.52) as indicated in Table 26. This mean overall
score places both categories of statement in the neutral position with the positive statement
leading towards the direction of positive attitudes.
Overall Attitude Scores
Positive Statements (n = 15)
Negative Statements (n = 12)
3.66
3.52
Neutral
Neutral
Table 26 Overall Attitude Score
63
III Analysis of Additional Comments Provided by the Respondents
S28
Local Government Should Restrict Cruise Ship Arrivals
Table 27 and Figure 29 shows 40.8% of respondents either disagreed or strongly
disagreed that local government should restrict cruise ship arrivals in Southern Belize. This is a
comparison to 26.5% who either agreed or strongly disagreed. A large number of the
respondents are neutral to the statement and some didn’t know. The statistics show and overall
disagreement to the Statement.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Strongly Disagree
Valid
4
8.2
8.2
8.2
Disagree
16
32.7
32.7
40.8
Neutral
13
26.5
26.5
67.3
Agree
6
12.2
12.2
79.6
Strongly Agree
7
14.3
14.3
93.9
Don't Know
3
6.1
6.1
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 27
Local Government Should Restrict Cruise Ship Arrivals
Figure 29
Local Government Should Restrict Cruise Ship Arrivals
64
S29
Southern Belize Should Become More of a Cruise Tourism Destination
Statistics from Table 28 and Figure 30 shows that there is an overall agreement to the
statement that southern Belize should become more of a cruise tourism destination and should try
to attract more arrivals. This is 53% comparing to an overall disagreement of 22.5%.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Strongly Disagree
7
14.3
14.3
14.3
Disagree
4
8.2
8.2
22.4
Neutral
11
22.4
22.4
44.9
Agree
18
36.7
36.7
81.6
Strongly Agree
8
16.3
16.3
98.0
Don't Know
1
2.0
2.0
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Total
Table 28 Southern Belize Should Become More Of a Cruise Tourism Destination
Figure 30
Southern Belize Should Become More Of a Cruise Tourism Destination
65
7. In your opinion, will the communities in southern Belize benefit from cruise
tourism?
Table 29 Shows that Majority of the 49 Respondents (36.7%) thought that the
communities in southern Belize will benefit from cruise tourism. The second majority (20.4%)
thought that the communities will benefit greatly and the third majority thought that the
communities will benefit slightly.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Benefit Greatly
10
20.4
20.4
20.4
Benefit Moderately
18
36.7
36.7
57.1
Benefit Slightly
12
24.5
24.5
81.6
Not Benefit at all
2
4.1
4.1
85.7
Don't Know
7
14.3
14.3
100.0
49
100.0
100.0
Valid
Total
Table 29 Degree of Communities’ Benefit
8. In your opinion, what are three main possible benefits of cruise tourism for this
community?
Those respondents who indicated that the communities from southern Belize will benefit
from cruise ship tourism in Q7 were asked to identify what they considered to be the three main
benefits for this region of the country. Altogether, 40 respondents (81.6% of the total sample)
identified 111 benefits, many of which were identified multiple times across the sample groups.
Several of the respondents who stated there were no benefits in Q7 went on to list some benefits
and other respondents who stated some degree of benefits also listed some problems that may
arise.
The benefits were coded into four broad groups to represent economic, employment,
community and social, and tourism benefits. Each benefit reported was coded according to the
66
most appropriate category; some however fitted - and were coded into - multiple categories (e.g.,
“local artisan makes more products, sell to tourist to provide income for the businesses”). Table
30 shows economic benefits were recorded the most often (49 times), followed by employment
benefits (31 times), community and social benefits (22 times) and tourism benefits (9
times)(Figure 31). Table 30 also shows that economic and employment benefits featured most
often as the first benefit listed, whilst tourism and community and social benefits featured more
often as the second and third benefits.
Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism
Rural
PG Town* Independence
Toledo
14
18
7
8
13
4
5
8
2
Benefit
Economic
Employment
Community &
Social
Tourism Benefit
Total
Placencia
Total
10
6
7
49
31
22
5
3
1
32
42
13
24
Table 30 Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
*PG Town means Punta Gorda Town
Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism
60
50
40
30
20
49
Benefits
31
22
10
9
0
Economic
Employment
Community & Tourism Benefit
Social
Figure 31 Main Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
67
9
111
A wide range of benefits were reported and the benefits data were further coded to reflect
sub-categories within each of the main benefits groups. Some individual benefits were coded into
several sub-categories. Further details in respect of these sub-categories, the number of times
each type of benefit was reported and examples of responses are provided in Tables 31, 32, 33
and 34.
Economic Benefits
Frequency
General
10
Place-specific
10
Type of Business
12
Extent of Benefit
5
Opportunity and
Investment
11
Explanation - description, details and examples
Non-specific economic benefits noted (e.g., “improves
economic activity”, “provide more income”, “more
development” and “better community.”
6 respondent specifically mentioned benefits to either
the ‘municipality” economy (e.g. “increase cash flow in
our district”) and 4 respondent noted economic benefits
in respect of the Belizean economy (e.g. “increase
revenue for the country”).
Many respondents specified which type of business
benefited, with the majority noting benefits for local
vendors (4), followed by Arts & Craft Vendors (3),
Taxi and tour operators(3), hospitality (1) and
restaurants (1).
5 respondents noted ‘trickle-down’ benefits to the local
economy or community (e.g., “revenue for the family”,
“provide foreign exchange”, “more capital circulating”
and “encourage locals to work harder”).
A number of responses related to increased business
opportunities and potential for development (e.g.,
“creates opportunity for a variety of business and
development” , “development of local businesses
encourage entrepreneurship”, “promote local products
and services development” and “encourage locals to
make more craft for sale to tourist”).
Nature of Business
1
One respondent commented on the economic impact
with respect to the quality of local businesses (e.g.,
“develop more creative service to sell”).
Table 31 Economic Benefits to Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
68
Economic Benefit
Economic benefits were noted the most often and these were differentiated according to
whether they described: general economic benefits; had a place specific component; identified
benefits for a particular types of business; varied in their extent; had an opportunity and
development component; and, were beneficial in respect of the nature (i.e., quality) of the
business (Table 31).
Employment Benefit
The employment benefits reported (the second highest category of benefits) were further
coded into: those which specifically referred to the number of jobs; those which made some
differentiation in who those jobs were for; and those which commented on specific types of jobs
(Table 32).
Employment Benefits
Number of Jobs
Frequency
19
Explanation - description, details and examples
The majority of employment benefits related to the
creation of more jobs with no further details provided.
For whom
10
Altogether, seven respondents noted that more jobs were
created for locals or for the resident population (e.g.,
“residents in the village having jobs”) and one
respondents identified the value of employment for
young people, teenagers or young adults (e.g., “creates
employment opportunity for business graduates”). Two
respondents noted that more jobs for tour guides.
Types of Jobs
2
Of those who reported employment benefits through the
creation of more jobs, however, one noted that these
were often low level types of jobs and one respondent
specified mediocre jobs.
Table 32 Employment Benefit of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
Community and Social Benefit
In Table 33, community and social benefits were further coded into three sub-categories:
benefits which impacted on the ‘mood’ of the town; those which made specific reference to
69
people (including residents, visitors and increased numbers of people in a more general sense);
and, those which specifically identified benefits in respect of facilities and amenities.
Community & Social
Benefit
Mood of town
Frequency
Explanation - description, details and examples
2
Altogether, two benefits were reported that described
impacts on the mood of the communities: one of these
were general comments about mood, ambience or taking
‘pride’ in showing off their district (e.g., “sense of pride
for culture of residents”); one responses used the
reported “having something to talk about.”
People
5
Three respondents reported enjoying and benefitting
from meeting people from different countries and
cultures (e.g., “learn new things about people from
different places”, “promote our cultural and learn from
other” and “enjoy talking to people”). One comment
referred to the impact of having more people improve
their work skills. One reported that cruise tourism will
“attract people in.”
Facilities and
15
An improvement in the quantity, range or quality of
amenities
facilities and amenities in the region were noted as
cultural and social benefits fifteen times. Examples
include: “improvement and development of local
infrastructure”; “improvement of secondary roads”;
“street paved”; “upgrading cultural and historical
facilities”; “try to make the place clean and
presentable”; variety of businesses, products and
services”.
Table 33 Community and Social Benefit of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
Tourism Benefits
The least reported main category of benefits related specifically to the tourism sector, and
was further coded into two sub-categories. The first of these included benefits associated with a
boost to tourism (i.e., a measurable increase in the number of visitors) or associated with the
current appeal of Belize as a tourist destination. The second sub-category included comments
relating to southern Belize’s profile as a tourism destination (Table 34).
70
Tourism Benefit
Boost to tourism and
current appeal
Frequency
4
Explanation - description, details and examples
Altogether, 3 of the benefits reported referred to a boost
in tourism numbers (e.g. “more tourist attractions to site
(e.g. Blue creek, site)”; “Promote attraction to Belize”.
One respondent would “want more conservation for
tourism (e.g. aquatic or green land)”.
Profile
5
All of the benefits were reported in respect of Southern
Belize’s future profile with four comments relating to
the exposure brought by cruise ship tourism and
publicity for Belize and the value of our natural beauty
of our different attractions. One respondent mentioned
that cruise ship tourism had specifically raised the
profile of Belize and put the country ‘on the map’ (e.g.,
“more international recognition”).
Table 34 Tourism Benefits of Cruise Tourism for Southern Belize
9. Can you please identify up to three cruise tourism-related issues which in your
opinion may be most problematic for this community
Question 9 asked respondents to identify up to three cruise ship-related issues which, in
their opinion, will be most problematic for Southern Belize. The question was open-ended and
generated a significant amount of data. All responses were entered into a Microsoft Excel spread
sheet, and the problems were coded and analysed similar to the benefits data collected in
Question 8.
Altogether, 36 respondents (73.5% of the total sample) identified 103 cruise ship issues,
many of which were identified multiple times across the sample group. These issues were coded
into five main categories: community and social; environmental; economic; visitor management;
and, regulations and policies. Each issue reported was coded according to the most appropriate
category. Community and social issues were recorded the most often (42 times), followed by
environmental (36 times), economic (13 times), visitor management (8 times) and regulations
71
and policy issues (4 times) (Figure 32). Although respondents were not asked to rank these issues
in order of significance, it is of note that over half the reports of both community and social and
congestion and environmental issues were mostly the first issue reported.
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related
Issues
8, 8% 4, 4%
42, 41%
13, 12%
Community & Social
Environment
Economic
36, 35%
Visitor Management
Regulations & Policies
Figure 32
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Further coding within the five main issue categories was undertaken in order to identify
more specific details of each problem and the results of analysis are presented in the tables
below.
Community and Social Issues
Community and social issues were noted the most often and these were differentiated
according to whether they described: health related issues; moral issues that might affect local
residents; and, cruise tourism negative effect on people (Table 35).
72
Community & Social
Issues
Health
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Frequency Explanation - description, details and examples
5
Moral Issues
21
People
16
Altogether, five respondents reported that disease
may be imported into the country resulting in a rise of
illness.
A total of eight respondents reported an increase in
variety of drugs, importation of new drugs and selling
and trafficking of drugs.
Nine reported an increase in Crime and violence, (e.g.
“stealing from tourist”), three for Prostitution and one
for alcohol.
Seven reported cruise tourism will corrupt locals and
politicians (e.g. bribe), inference with cultural
practices, exploitation and penetration of culture
turning children turning into beggars.
Respondents reported that tourist and local population
will increase (3), tourist will be very disturbing (1)
and cruise tourist will run out other tourists (e.g.
overnight tourist) (1).
Respondents also reported that the communities will
transform from calm to very busy (1) economic
Status gap widen where the poor get poorer and the
rich get richer (1) and bad influence on Culture (2).
Table 35 Community and Social Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Environmental Issues
In Table 36, environmental issues (second highest reported recorded issue) were further
coded into four sub-categories: general indication to environmental problem with no further
explanation; pollution; land transfers to tourism; and, issues with natural resources.
73
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Environmental Issues
Frequency Explanation - description, details and examples
General
2
Two respondents reported negative impacts on the
environment if cruise tourism is not managed
properly.
Pollution
18
Ten reported an increase in pollution of the
environment and eight report poor waste management
Land transfer
2
One respondent reported that preserve land will be
overtaken by infrastructure for tourism and one
reported relocation of residents to accommodate
tourism development
Natural Resources
14
Seven respondents reported to exploitation and
damage of natural resources and tourism taking the
remaining artifacts
Seven reported damage to reef and shallow areas of
the sea because ships are too huge.
Table 36 Problematic Environmental Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Economic Issues
In Table 37, environmental issues (third highest) were further coded into three subcategories: allocation of capital; distribution of wealth; and, the extent of the likelihood of the
competition.
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Economic Issues
Frequency Explanation - description, details and examples
Capital
4
Two respondents reported a lack of economic power
to start up a business.
Two reported a foreign takeover (e.g. “dependency on
foreign capital” and “ignoring of local tour guides”).
Profit
5
Uneven distribution of gains from cruise tourism (e.g.
not much investment in Toledo) (1), price increase
(inflation) (3), no revenue for economic growth (1)
Competition
4
(3) Too much business competition (e.g. competition
with privileged resident that are coming from other
parts of the country and political involvement)
(1) Only cruise ships will benefit
Table 37 Problematic Economic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
74
Visitor Management
In Table 38, visitor management issues (fourth highest) were further coded into four subcategories: the possibility of over-crowding and congestion, the issue with wharf/dock and
management of facilities and amenities.
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Visitor Management
Frequency Explanation - description, details and examples
Over-crowding &
4
A total of four respondents reported that too much
Congestion
traffic in the roads and overcrowding areas/sites
might occur.
Wharfs and Docks
1
There needs to be a dock for cruise ships
Facilities and Amenities
3
Respondents report overuse and misuse of existing
facilities (1), not ready to serve the industry (i.e.
buses, vans and tour packages needed) (1) and
destruction of Parks (1).
Table 38 Problematic Visitor Management Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Regulations and Policies Issues
In Table 39, regulations and policies issues (the least problematic issue) are further
specified to the expected dilemmas.
Problematic Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Frequency Explanation - description, details and examples
1
No one to enforce law to protects freshwater animals
1
Jobs will not be regulated by no policy or person and
jobs will be seasonal
1
No one will care much to regulate exploitation of
natural resources
1
Tourists will be non-adherence to local and
government laws
Table 39 Problematic Policy Cruise Tourism-Related Issues
Regulations & Policies
75
Benefits versus Problems
The statistics in Figure 33 shows that the number of benefits (111 or 52%) mentioned by
the respondents in question 8 slightly exceeds the number of problematic issues (103 or 48%)
(asked in question 9) that cruise tourism will bring to southern Belize.
Comaprison Between the Number of Benefits and
Number of Problems
103, 48%
111, 52%
Benefits
Problems
Figure 33 Comparison Between the Number or Benefits and Number of Problems
Discussion
Residents of southern Belize, especially those in Toledo, Independence and Placencia,
were asked about their attitudes and perceptions of the proposed cruise tourism development
plan for Harvest Caye, three miles away from Placencia. Opinions were asked particularly about
the future socio-cultural, environmental and economic impacts of the activity (see Appendix X).
The attitude and perception statements portrayed relatively balanced views, albeit with
some more strongly held both in favour of, and against, cruise ship tourism and its impacts.
While primarily neutral, attitudes across the statements presented tended towards a positive
76
viewpoint. Positive statements (3.66) have a slightly larger “mean overall score” than the
negative statements (3.52) (see Table 26).
The survey results, for example, indicate that a slight majority of the sample (38.8%) has
the perception that benefits produced by the cruise industry to the communities will be greater
than costs and 32.7% of the residents sustain the contrary (see Table 1).
The results also showed that 81.6% of all those surveyed thought that cruise ship tourism
will in one way or the other be beneficial to the communities and 20.4% of these thought it will
greatly benefit (see Table 29). Only 4.1% reported that communities will not benefit at all.
In the open ended questions, 29 respondents were able to identify both benefits and
problems in the open-ended questions, whilst 10 reported benefits and no problems, and 7
identified problems, but not benefits. Only 3 respondents were not able to identify either benefits
or problems. While many acknowledged benefits that extended well beyond southern Belize (i.e.,
to the entire country) there was widespread recognition of the range of problems and challenges.
The identification of a wide array of tourism benefits (111 times) compared to
problematic issues (103 times) that may arise further concurred to this (Figure 33). The statistics
showed that communities will benefit greatly economically (see Figure 31) with business
blooming, more product market and investment opportunity will be substantial. In addition,
employment is also a widely reported benefit (see Table 31 & 32). Alongside this, however,
respondents also identified a range of issues and problems (Figure 32) arising from cruise ship
tourism. Interestingly, the majority of respondents did not rate any of the previously identified
issues as being particularly significant. But, community and social issues were reported the most.
Many are concerned with drugs and crime, and the corruption of people; also, exploitation,
77
penetration and interference of culture (see Table 35). Another issue that came up the most was
environmental; especially pollution and waste management issues (Table 36).
Overall, there was a positive balance between the benefits and costs of cruise tourism.
The following statistics alluded to this. 40.8% of the respondents indicated that local
government should not stop cruise ships from coming in compared to 26.5% saying they should.
This can be translated to saying that local government should not hinder cruise tourism in
southern Belize (see Figure 29). In extension, 53% agreed that southern Belize should be
promoted as a cruise tourism destination compared to 22.5% who said no (see Figure 30).
Concluding Remarks
To conclude this chapter, several all-encompassing themes require a closer look or
emphasis. During the survey and discussions with respondents, many shared that tourism—
though not perfect and has many challenges—is indispensable to Belize. Tourism keeps growing
and it seems there is no intention to stopping it.
As outlined in the content of this section of the study, cruise tourism is undeniably liable
for positive and negative sociocultural, environmental and economic impact on the country.
Further tourism management must try to maximize the positive and minimize the negative
impacts of cruise tourism and to evaluate its role in relationship to the older tradition in Belizean
tourism, ecotourism, believed to be highly environmentally and economically beneficial.
78
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This research explored the residents’ attitudes and perceptions to cruise ship tourism
planned for Harvest Caye through a survey of the communities in southern Belize. In an overall
perspective, a balanced and generally positive view towards socio-cultural, environmental and
economic effects of cruise ship arrival was prevalent. The results showed that cruise tourism
will bring more advantage than disadvantage to the communities in the south part of the country.
A wide range of economic, employment, community and social and tourism benefits
were identified; these were counterbalanced by a number of well-articulated and tangible issues
associated with cruise ship arrivals. These included community and social issues, environmental,
economic, visitor management, and regulations and policy issues.
The research had started with an abstract reference to the actual case on which the study
is based. The first chapter; Introduction, has talked about the aim of the research. A more
extensive secondary data was researched and exposed in the literature review, i.e. the second
chapter. In the methodology, the methods used were explained and this being followed by the
results and discussions.
Future studies can increase the sample size. This study had a sample size of 49. This is
relatively small comparing to the population of Toledo and Stann Creek (more than 62,000).
Researcher can focus less on students since majority of the respondents’ in this study are
students. Also, future studies can focus on cruise tourism activities experienced by residents to
analyze attitudes and perceptions.
Therefore, I conclude the research and suggest some recommendations.
79
Recommendations
Belize is known as “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret.” In making sure that this is so,
the official policy continues to promote “responsible tourism” that ensures environmental and
socio-cultural sustainability. Consequently, in crafting out these recommendations, I have kept
in mind a number of the highlighting positive and negative aspects of cruise tourism brought
forward by respondents through this study.
1. When approaching the cruise lines, the negotiating policies should be united,
educated and transparent, designed to maximize social, environmental and
economic value.
There was a significant amount of “don’t know”, “I don’t know anything about it”
and “time will tell” responses seen on the questionnaire and heard during interviews.
Also, it is almost quite clear that there is no intention in the horizon to stop cruise
tourism. However, the foundation for Belize or any country to receive cruise passengers
is its capability to contribute constructively and meaningfully to the society—through
opportunities for income and creation of jobs for local residents, generation of capital
investment, improved quality of life, and for several other reasons. Currently, the
evidence from Belize is that cruise tourism creates little value for local communities,
contributes relatively little to public revenues, and consumes resources that could support
the development of higher value uses.
Strong negotiating positions have been taken by cruise lines. The large size and
economic power of cruise conglomerates, their alliance with small but influential elite in
the country, and their ability to choose one destination against another in the region
creates a challenge for government to negotiate on terms that would significantly favor
80
our Belizean desires. One way for Belize to improve the terms is through the
establishment of a national united and cohesive negotiating position. This will require the
establishment of a well-coordinated and transparent position on the following: fees,
commissions, products, services, participants, investments, services, quality of ports and
companies, etc. Belize’s negotiating position will be strengthened by presenting a unified
package to the cruise lines. In addition, to the extent that the Central American countries
can agree on a common set of terms and guidelines for negotiating, their position will be
enhanced.
If the terms are not right, Belize should “walk way.” Belizean should know what
they want. The national cruise policy should be improved with the participation of our
active and engaged civic organizations and citizens. Our cruise development goals
(economic, social, environmental, governmental, etc) should be clear and publicly
articulated. In the process of doing so, citizens and stakeholders in the industry will be
educated. This should be Belize’s negotiating position. Social benefit cost analysis and
real options analysis are useful tools in considering on where to “draw the line.”
2. Mitigate negative environmental and social impacts and damage to national tourism
assets
Despite substantial positive impacts of cruise tourism, there are a number of
negative impacts generated that must be mitigated, even if the negotiated term were
better, actual benefits will be seen if the negatives are dealt with efficiently.
Among the most prominent impacts identified through the questionnaires and
interviews are:
 pollution and waste management,
81
 crime related activities, and
 exploitation and damage to high-value national tourism assets (natural
resources).
The following are some recommendations to address these issues:
a. Set realistic numbers: All sites needs to determine and enforce a carrying
capacity (limits of acceptable change). Overcrowding can diminish the
experience of visitors and the sustainability of the site over the long term is
threatened. It is therefore important to set and stick to a manageable ratio of cruise
passengers per guide and number of people permitted at a time into sensitive and
protected areas. Training should be in place for guides by government and
industry. Violators should be fined or stripped of their license is the violation is
repeated. To account for large number and the peak volumes, excursion site
should create other tourism product so that the carry capacity is not exceeded.
b. Cultural sites and pristine and valuable ecosystems should be forbidden from
cruise tourism: The limited benefits will not be able to justify the cost of opening
or damaging of pristine and fragile ecosystems (cultural, environmental, and
historic) to large groups or high impact tourism from cruise ships.
c. Continuous Monitoring and Impact Assessment: Tourism sites will not always
be the same. On-going, scientific monitoring of current and projected protected
areas used for cruise tourism in Belize is necessary, especially in the southern part
of the country. If national assets are to be used for cruise tourism, logically cruise
revenues should also contribute to their maintenance. I suggest that the Ministry
of the Environment direct the establishment of a modest per capita
82
“environmental fee” to provide annual funds for ongoing monitoring and impact
assessment.
d. Off-loading of waste: Belize (and other countries) should prohibit off-loading of
any waste until they have defined proper disposal technology and location and put
verification mechanisms in place.
e. Proper security Measures: The government to dialogue with the wider
community to identify ways of reducing negative impacts. Security forces should
be increased accordingly in the all areas where tourism activity is concerned.
3. Strengthen Belize’s primary assets and still maintain international tourism
reputation:
Belize is known for its outstanding coral reef, national parks, and archeological
sites and small hotels. Large groups of cruise passengers might use the same resources.
This will deteriorate the infrastructure or quality of tourism experience. Cruise tour
passengers will be interfering with the experience of ecotourists who come to experience
Belize’s best kept secrets alone or in small groups. Stayover tourists create substantial
economic and social benefits for the country, visitor sites, the tourism industry, and local
communities. If the sites or areas the stayovers visit are overcrowded or overused, show
signs of poor maintenance, or otherwise deteriorate, their willingness to pay for these
sites and willingness to return to the country will be reduced.
If Belize accommodates cruise tourism, the following recommendations should be
considered:
a. Separating Cruise and Stayover Visitors: In order to protect Belize’s extremely
important stayover market as well as its fragile marine and terrestrial protected
83
certain sites and facilities for cruise passengers. This is one of the main concerns
from residents in Placencia. Some of the most fragile sites should not be used by
cruise passengers.
b. Improve infrastructure and offerings in Southern Belize: The government,
together with the tourism industry could invest more in upgrading and expanding
the urban and rural facilities and offerings. Among the potential strategies are the
following:
i.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs Investments should be made by government,
the private sector, and NGOs in raising the standard and increasing the
offerings of handicrafts and souvenirs and highlighting local customs and
festivals. This will both serve to increase expenditures in Belize and to
meet passengers’ desire for local crafts.
ii.
Local Cuisine Globally, food is an area of increasing interest and concern
with all types of tourists. Restaurants and food stalls should be encouraged
to promote Belizean cuisine, locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, and
other local products. Restaurants and hotels could demonstrate local
recipes; local festivals could feature in-season produce. A national
network of restaurants featuring local cuisine could be developed.
iii.
New Products Hotel could start to venture into new products that both
capture current market trends and showcase the best of Belizean culture
and climate.
To summarize, I propose that cruise tourism in the country should be supervised and regulated
by government and stakeholders so that its positive impacts can be maximized, and its
84
continuation does not constrain or interfere with the continued development of bona fide
ecotourism in the country. Any indication that consumer demand for ecotourism in Belize is
unambiguously hindered by cruise activity, whether because of direct effects (overcrowded sites,
environmental damage, etc.) or indirect effects (damage to its eco-friendly image, overexposure
among consumers), is an indication that regulation of the cruise industry needs tightening or
adjusting. These recommendations about increasing the economic contribution of cruise tourism,
about mitigating its environmental impacts of cruise tourism, about adhering to realistic limits on
cruise visitor volume per year, about increase security forces accordingly, and about separating
cruise tourists and ecotourists in space and time are examples of regulations that will help meet
this goal. Because ecotourism actively and deliberately promotes both environmental
conservation and local livelihoods, I believe its dynamics can be helpful and effective in creating
policies to effectively monitor the trajectory of cruise tourism in Belize. The time has come to
chart a sustainable course for cruises to Belize.
85
REFERENCES
Aguiló, E., and Roselló, J. (2005). Host Community perceptions. A cluster analysis. Annals of
Tourism Research, 32(4): 925-941.
Akis, S., Peristanis,N., and Warner, J. (1996). "Residents' attitudes to tourism
development: the case of Cyprus." Tourism Management, 17, 481-494.
Albalate, D. and Bel, G. (2010). Tourism and urban public transport: Holding demand pressure
under supply constraints. Tourism Management, 31(3): 425-433.
Amuquandoh, F.E. (2010). Residents' perceptions of the environmental impacts of tourism in the
Lake Bosomtwe Basin, Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 18(2): 223-238.
Andereck, K., Valentine, K.M., Knopf, R.C. and Vogt, C. (2005). Residents’ perceptions of
community tourism impacts. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(4): 1056-1076.
Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738305000770
Ap, J. (1992). Residents' perceptions on tourism impacts. Annals of Tourism Research 19(4):
665–690. Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0160738392900603
Ap, J., and J.L. Crompton, (1998). Developing and testing a tourism impact scale. Journal of
Travel Research, 37, 120-130.
Biagi, B., Brandano, M.G., and C. Detotto (2012). The effect of tourism on crime in Italy: A
dynamic panel approach. Economics: The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal,
Vol. 6, 2012–25.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5018/economics-ejournal.ja.2012-25
Biagi, B., and Detotto, D. (2012). Crime as tourism externality. Regional Studies. DOI:
86
10.1080/00343404.2011.649005
Bonimy, M.M. (2008). Residents’ attitudes and perceptions towards the impact of tourism on the
environment in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. PhD Thesis. Tennessee State University.
Butler, R.W. (1980). The Concept of a Tourism Area Cycle of Evolution: Implications for
Management Resources. The Canadian Geographer, 24(1), 5-16.
Brida, J.G. and Zapata Aguirre, S. (2010). Cruise Tourism: Economic, Socio-Cultural and
Environmental Impacts, International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 1(3):
205-226. Retrieved from
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1332619
Brida, J.G., Riaño, E., and Zapata Agurirre, S. (2011a). Resident’s attitudes and perceptions
towards cruise tourism development: a case study of Cartage de Indias (Colombia).
Tourism and Hospitality Research, 11(3), 187-202.
Cannan, P. and Hennessy, M. (1989). The growth machine, tourism, and the selling of culture.
Sociological Perspective 32, 2: 227-43.
Chase G., and Alon, I. (2002). Evaluating the economic impact of cruise tourism: A case study
of Barbados. Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research
13(1): 5–18. Retrieved from
http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/20023179517.html?freeview=true
Diedrich, A. (2010). Cruise ship tourism in Belize: The implications of developing cruise ship
tourism in an ecotourism destination. Ocean and Coastal Management 53: 234–244.
Retrieved from
87
http://nocruises.org/Cruise%20Ship%20Tourism%20in%20Belize%20%20The%20implications%20of%20Developing%20Cruise%20Ship%20Tourism%20in
%20an%20Ecotourism%20Destination.pdf
Diedrich, A. and García-Buades, E. (2009). Local perceptions of tourism as indicators of
destination decline. Tourism Management, 30: 512–521.
Dyer, P., Gursoy, D. Sharma, B. and Carter, J. (2007). Structural Modeling of Resident
Perceptions of Tourism and Associated Development on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Tourism Management, 28(2): 409-22.
Fredline, E., and B. Faulkner (2000). Host Community Reactions. A Cluster Analysis. Annals of
Tourism Research 27:763–784.
Gibson, P., and Bentley, M. (2006). A study of impacts–cruise tourism and the South West of
England. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing 20(3/4): 63–77. Retrieved from
http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/20073156657.html?freeview=true
Gunn, C. A. (1988). Tourism planning. New York: Taylor and Francis.
Gursoy, D., and Rutherford, D. (2004). Host Attitudes Toward Tourism. An Improved Structural
Model. Annals of Tourism Research, 31 (3): 495-516.
Gursoy, D., Chi, C.G., and Dyer P.K. (2009). An examination of locals' attitudes. Annals of
Tourism Research, 36, 723-726.
Haukeland, J.V. (1984). Sociocultural impacts of tourism in Scandinavia: Studies of three host
communities. Tourism Management 5, 3: 207-13.
Harrill R. (2004). Residents’ Attitudes towards Tourism Development: A Literature Review with
Implications for Tourism Planning. Journal of Planning Literature, 18(3): 251-266.
Jurowski, C., and Gursoy, D. (2004). Distance Effects on Residents’ Attitudes Towards Tourism.
88
Annals of Tourism Research, 31 (2): 296-312.
Lindsay K., Craig, J. and Low, M. (2008). Tourism and conservation: The effects of track
proximity on avian reproductive success and nest selection in an open sanctuary. Tourism
Management 29(4): 730–739. Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517707001823
Liu, J.C. and Var, T. (1986). Resident attitudes toward tourism impacts in Hawaii. Annals of
Tourism Research 13(2): 193–214.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/016073838690037X
Moguel, C. (2014, October 16). BTB reports an increase in tourist arrivals. The San
Pedro Sun. Retrieved from
http://www.sanpedrosun.com/community-and-society/2014/10/16/btb-reportsincreasetourist-arrivals/
Murphy, P.E. (1983). Perceptions and Attitudes of Decision-making Groups in Tourism
Centers. Journal of Travel Research, 21, 8-12.
Ogorelc, A. (2009). Residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and sustainable tourism
development. International Journal of Sustainable Economy 1(4): 373-387.
Um, S. and Crompton, J.L. (1987). Measuring Resident’s Attachment Levels in a Host
Community. Journal of Travel Research, 26(2), pp. 27-29.
Upchurch, R. and Teivane, U. (2000). Resident perceptions of tourism development in RigaLativa. Tourism Management, 21(5): 499-507.
Hritz, N., and Cecil, A. (2008). Investigating the sustainability of cruise tourism: A case study of
Key West. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 16(2): 168–181. Retrieved from
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2167/jost716.0
89
Sharma, B. (2004). An empirical investigation of the relationship between residents’
involvement in tourism and their perceptions of tourism impacts. Benchmarking: An
International Journal. 16(3)
Sheldon, P.J. and Var, T. (1984). Resident Attitudes to Tourism in North Wales. Tourism
Management, 5: 40-47.
Snaith, T. and Haley, A. (1999). Resident’s opinions of tourism development in historic city of
York, England. Tourism Management 20, 1: 595-603.
Tosun, C. (2002). Host perceptions of impacts: A comparative tourism study. Annals of Tourism
Research 29(1): 231–253. Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738301000391
Wayakone, S., Daud, M., Bardaie, M.Z., Shuib, A., and Mohd, A. (1998). Residents’ attitude
towards future impacts of tourism development in Langkawi. Borneo Review, 9(2): 123134.
Wilson, J. and Shone, M. C. (2013). A survey of community attitudes to Akaroa hosting cruise
ship arrivals. Prepared by Lincoln University for Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism
(CCT). Lincoln University: Canterbury, New Zealand.
World Tourism Organization. (2014). 2013 Tourism Highlights.
Retrieved from
http://dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net/sites/all/files/pdf/unwto_highlights14_en_hr_0.pdf
World Travel and Tourism Council. (2014). Belize: Travel and Tourism Economic Impact
2014. Retrieved from
http://www.wttc.org/focus/research-for-action/economic-impact-analysis/
90
APPENDICES
Appendix A (Cover Letter)
November 17, 2014
Dear Participant:
My name is Estevan Ico and I am a student at the University of Belize, Toledo Campus. For my
final project for my Undergraduate Thesis (MGMT4205), I am examining the Attitudes and
Perception of Residents in Southern Belize towards the Proposed Cruise Tourism
Development Plan on Harvest Caye by Norwegian Cruise Line. Because you are a resident of
the Toledo or south Stann Creek, I am inviting you to participate in this research study by
completing the attached surveys.
The following questionnaire will require approximately 10 minutes to complete. There is no
compensation for responding nor is there any known risk. In order to ensure that all information
will remain confidential, please do not include your name. Copies of the project will be provided
to my University of Belize advisor. If you choose to participate in this project, please answer all
questions as honestly as possible. Participation is strictly voluntary and you may refuse to
participate at any time.
Thank you for taking the time to assist me in my educational endeavors. The data collected will
provide useful information regarding the attitudes and perception of cruise tourism in Southern
Belize by its residents. Completion of the questionnaire will indicate your willingness to
participate in this study. If you require additional information or have questions, please contact
me at the address and number listed below.
If you are not satisfied with the manner in which this study is being conducted, you may report
(anonymously if you so choose) any complaints to the course advisor, Philip Castillo, PhD., at
622-6709 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
__________________
Estevan Ico
[email protected]
Cell No. 650-6262
91
Appendix B (Survey Questionnaire)
Attitudes and Perception of Residents in Toledo towards the Proposed Cruise Tourism
Development in Southern Belize
Section A: Demographics
This section asks questions about your address, gender, age, ethnicity and employment status. I
need this information to check if our sample is representative of the Toledo District population.
Please tick the boxes which best reflect your personal circumstances. Please tick only one option
under each item below.
1. Where do you live?
 Rural Toledo
 Punta Gorda Town
 Independence
 Placencia
2. What is your age?
 18-25 years
 46-55
 76-85
 26-35
 56-65
 86+
 36-45
 66-75
3. What is your gender?
 Male
 Female
4. What is your ethnicity?
 Maya
 Creole
 Mestizo
 Other (please specify below)
_______________________
 Garifuna
5. What is your employment status?
 Employed full-time
 Employed half-time
 Self employed
 Unemployed
 Not in the workforce (e.g.,
retired)
92
Section B: Benefits and Problems expected about Cruise Tourism
This section asks questions about your attitudes to cruise tourism in. Even if you have nothing to
do with the tourism industry, I am interested to know your opinion about a range of things
relating to cruise tourism.
6. On a scale from 1 to 5, please rate how strongly you agree or disagree with the
following statements about the proposed cruise tourism development in Southern
Belize. For each, please circle the option which best matches your response (1= strongly
disagree, 2=disagree, 3=neutral, 4=agree, 5=strongly agree, DK=don’t know)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
I.
Socio-cultural
I think the benefits of cruise
tourism will outweigh the
problems
I think cruise tourism will
create more market for
traditional products
I think cruise tourism will
bring about more and better
leisure facilities
I think cruise tourism will
promote positive cultural
exchanges that will increase
good understanding of
culture.
I think residents will face
cultural problems from the
commercialization of culture,
religion and the arts together
with the misuse of
indigenous culture as
attractions.
I think residents will be
forced to adopt cultural
habits of the tourists, such as
their language, dress and
manner to satisfy visitors.
g. I think cruise tourism will
increase traffic congestion in
Toledo where cruisers
compete for roads, walkways
and turns with local
residents.
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neutral
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
Don’t
Know
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
93
h. I think cruise tourism will
increase and improve the
quality of outdoor
recreational opportunities for
residents
i. I think cruise tourism will
increase the amount of
crime, prostitution, alcohol
and drugs
j. I believe cruise tourism will
negatively affect the
character and charm of local
residents
II.
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Environmental
a. I think cruise tourism will
improve the appearance of
our community
b. I think cruise tourism may
provide incentives to
preserve and protect both
natural and artificial systems
c. I think cruise tourism will
encourage the conservation
of animals as attractions and
the establishment of more
protected or conserved areas
to meet tourist demands
d. I think cruise tourism will
provide revenue to finance
ground repair and site
restoration
e. I think cruise tourism activity
will lead to increase
pollution and waste
f. I think cruise tourism will
cause disruption of
breeding/feeding patterns,
killing of animals for leisure
(hunting) to supply souvenir
trade
g. I think cruise tourism will
promote land transfers to
tourism (e.g. from farming)
94
III.
Economic
a. I think cruise tourism will
improve the economy
b. I think cruise tourism will
provide good jobs for
residents
c. I think cruise tourism will
improved standard of living
therefore improving the
quality of life for residents
d. I think cruise tourism will
encourage development and
improvement of
infrastructure
e. I think cruise tourism will
create investment and
business opportunities
f. I think cruise tourism will
assist small and medium
enterprises to expand
g. I think cruise tourism will
increase prices of goods,
services, land and housing
h. I think cruise tourism will
depend too much on foreign
capital
i. I think cruise tourism will
cause a low education trap
for locals
j. I think cruise tourism will
cause inflation and leakages
Section C: Other questions
7. I think local government
should restrict cruise ship
arrivals in Southern
Belize
8. I think Southern Belize
should become more of a
cruise tourism destination
and should try to attract
more arrivals
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
1
2
3
4
5
DK
95
9. In your opinion, will the communities in southern Belize benefit from cruise
tourism? Please tick only one option below.
 It will benefit greatly
 It will benefit moderately
 It will benefit slightly
 It will not benefit at all
 I don’t know
If you answered ‘it does not benefit at all’ or ‘don’t know’, please skip to question 9.
10. In your opinion, what are three main possible benefits of cruise tourism for this community?
Benefit 1:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Benefit 2:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Benefit 3:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
11. Can you please identify up to three cruise tourism-related issues which in your opinion may be
most problematic for this community. There is space below for you to identify each problem.
Issue 1: What is the problem?
________________________________________________________________________
Issue 2: What is the problem?
________________________________________________________________________
Issue 3: What is the problem?
________________________________________________________________________
This is the end of the questionnaire. Once again thank you for participating and I wish to assure
you that all answers provided will be kept strictly confidential. Thank you!!!
96