The Rise and Resurgence of Overtourism in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most tourism-intense regions of the world with increasing signs of resurgent overtourism in the aftermath of the global COVID pandemic. Recognized internationally as ‘One Happy Island’ and one of the most tourism-dominant small island societies in the Caribbean, the study of Aruba provides a critical understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of island overtourism, as well as the salient roles of politics, power, and place dynamics. The results underscore the role of institutional capture and policy drift, which stem primarily from political-economic forces, ensuing in a progressive marginalization of community equity and agency. This chapter proposes that the crux of overtourism is political in nature and institutional by nurture. Beyond merely managing visitor numbers and volume, a critical reflection of island norms and value(s) is fundamental to fostering responsible tourism. Reflections and recommendations are provided for a transition towards equitable island tourism development.