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Climate adaptation within the tourism sector of a small island developing state: A case study from the coastal accommodations subsector in the Bahamas
Author(s) -
Pathak Arsum,
Beynen Philip E.,
Akiwumi Fenda A.,
Lindeman Kenyon C.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
business strategy and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.488
H-Index - 7
ISSN - 2572-3170
DOI - 10.1002/bsd2.160
Subject(s) - small island developing states , tourism , climate change , preparedness , adaptation (eye) , adaptive capacity , climate change adaptation , environmental resource management , psychological resilience , environmental planning , resilience (materials science) , geography , business , political science , environmental science , ecology , psychology , physics , archaeology , neuroscience , law , psychotherapist , biology , thermodynamics
Abstract Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is vulnerable to climate change. Using the Bahamas as a case study, this study presents findings from a survey administered with property managers from the coastal accommodations sector to identify their adaptation strategies to tackle climate change. We also evaluate their adaptive capacity by developing SIDS‐specific indicators based on a capitals approach. Findings indicate that efforts toward adaptation were limited to disaster preparedness for hurricanes, reflecting a short‐term focus in the face of climate change uncertainties. In addition to the lack of finances and knowledge for incorporating adaptation measures, their capacity to adapt is diminished due to a lack of access to climate change information, skilled staff, and specific climate change planning reflecting limited human and institutional capitals. Recommendations are provided for strategies synergistic with the resilience focus of our paper such as ecosystem‐based adaptation and green jobs. The study informs tourism resilience and adaptation planning in the Bahamas which may apply to other SIDS.