Increasing the Resilience of Micro, Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises to Tropical Cyclones in Small Island Developing States

The Caribbean region is one of the most tourism-dependent regions worldwide. On a yearly basis, tropical cyclonestropical cyclones threaten these countries and their key economic sectors including tourism. Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS)Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have thrived on the sun, sea and sand product, which has led to a concentration of tourism in coastal areas which are at risk to events such as storm surge and sea level rise. Disasters represent a growing risk for businesses, particularly those located in SIDS. In JamaicaJamaica and TobagoTobago many tourism livelihoodslivelihoods depend on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s)Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s), despite their importance these businesses face a host of problems that hinder growth and development. A lack of business training, inadequate insurance and financing options and a lack of public sector support have led to a business sector that is extremely vulnerable. Tourism stakeholders were interviewed in four sites in Jamaica and Tobago to solicit information on current measures being implemented by MSME’s to increase resilienceresilience. Recommendations are made based on this fieldwork and gaps identified by stakeholders. This template of measures can be implemented by stakeholders across the region to increase the resilience of tourism businesses and the livelihoods that depend on them to tropical cyclone events.