This question was the focus of a recent study by a number of UWI Cave Hill economists, including Head of the Department of Economics Mahalia Jackman and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Troy Lorde. 

The research revealed that the length of stay for tourists in Barbados is significantly influenced by various dimensions of distance. Published in the January 2020 issue of the Annals of Tourism Research, it provided new insights into the factors that extend tourists' visits beyond just physical proximity.

The study, also co-authored with Dr. Simon Naitram, Lecturer at the Department of Economics, and Tori Greenaway, highlighted several key findings:

• Geographic Distance: Tourists travelling from geographically distant countries tend to extend their stays in Barbados.

• Cultural Distance: Visitors from countries culturally distinct from Barbados also exhibit longer visit durations.

• Climatic Distance: The disparity in climate conditions between tourists' home countries and Barbados positively correlates with longer stays.

• Economic Distance: Interestingly, a closer economic proximity between the tourist's home country and Barbados inversely affects the length of stay.

Contrary to traditional views focusing solely on physical distance, this study incorporates sociopsychological, climatic, and economic dimensions to present a more comprehensive understanding of tourist behavior. The research concludes that physical distance alone does not fully capture the complexities of how various forms of distance influence tourist stays.

Drawing on airport data from over 350,000 pleasure tourists visiting Barbados from 144 countries, the study underscores the critical role of these multifaceted distances in shaping tourism demand. The researchers found no significant evidence that long-distance personal relationships, such as those maintained through transnational or diasporic connections, affect the length of stay.

Barbados's Dependence on Tourism

Barbados, an island spanning just 166 square miles with a population of just almost 280 000, relies heavily on tourism, attracting between 500,000 to 600,000 stay-over tourists annually. The island's year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and pleasant climate are major draws for international visitors. Given the country's economic reliance on tourism, which contributed 34.9 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product in 2018 according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, understanding what influences tourist behavior is vital for sustaining economic growth.

Implications for Business and Policy

The findings from this study are not just academic but carry significant implications for business planning and policy formulation in Barbados. Tourism operators and policymakers can leverage these insights to tailor marketing strategies and enhance visitor experiences, thereby boosting the island's appeal to long-staying tourists.

This research represents a significant step forward in understanding the diverse factors that influence tourist behavior, providing a valuable framework for other tourism-dependent economies to follow.