Description
This study examines current trends in tourism and agriculture in Caribbean countries and
the strategy for linking them in order to facilitate their future development. The tourism industry
has, in the past, developed largely apart from other sectors such as agriculture. On the other
hand, agriculture has developed mainly to satisfy export markets. Domestic agriculture has had
limited development and has therefore been displaced to a considerable extent by food imports.
The recent promotion of agriculture tourism linkages is an attempt to enhance the local value
added of the tourism industry, while at the same time promoting the development of domestic
agriculture. However, it is argued that agriculture-tourism linkage per se will not facilitate the
development of either tourism or agriculture. The nature of the tourism product in each country
has to be understood before effective strategies could be devised for improving competitiveness.
A similar approach is also necessary in respect of the agriculture sector. Increased linkage
between tourism and agriculture could be enhanced through the adoption of a cluster-based
strategy for improving the competitiveness of the tourism sector and for improving the
livelihoods of communities and rural areas.