Abstract
This report documents the Saba Strategic Tourism Master Plan, 2023-2028. The report provides directions to help Saba capitalize on new tourism related opportunities and overcome challenges that have emerged post pandemic. The plan is the outcome of a participatory process that includes multiple layers of tourism stakeholders including the residents, government officials, business owners, NGOs, community leaders, local organizations, and tourists. The plan observes that overall, there is a disconnect in the stakeholders’ message regarding the value of Saba. Tourists appreciate the value and beauty of Saba’s natural resources and authentic culture, yet residents undervalue themselves and Saba due to social and economic confines. Currently, tourists come to the island and enjoy its paradise, but the residents do not get much in return. Moreover, the people seek opportunities to improve their quality of life and tourism can provide these opportunities providing the residents believe in themselves and can celebrate Saba’s authenticity. This plan provides a pathway that provides the means for Saba’s people to achieve the beautiful life that awaits them. The tourism plan helps to identify the needs and wants of Saban people. Saban residents were clear in their message during the research process regarding their desire to improve their social and economic opportunities, to be involved in the tourism development process, and in their desire for modest tourism growth. The 2023-2028 Strategic Tourism Master Plan wholistically identifies the opportunities that the Saban people expressed as desires to help enhance their quality of life. For Saba, tourism can be a catalyst force toward enhancing residents’ quality of life. If Saba acts now to capitalize on the new emerging travel trends, the island will stand to make nearly US$18 million per year, or nearly US$90 million over five years. The time for action is now!
Keywords
Saba; Dutch Caribbean; tourism; post-pandemic
Prepared For
Saba Tourist Bureau (STB)
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Publication Date
3-9-2023
Document Type
Report
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Place
Saba, Dutch Caribbean
Rights
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from The Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies. All copyright, confidential information, design rights and all other intellectual property rights of whatsoever nature contained herein are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of The Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies. The information furnished herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by The Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies for its use, or for any infringements of other rights of third parties resulting from its use. The UCF and The Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies name and logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the University of Central Florida.
Number of Pages
83 p.
Recommended Citation
Croes, Robertico; Semrad, Kelly; Rivera, Manuel; and Alvarez, Sergio, "Saba Dutch Caribbean: Strategic Tourism Master Plan, A Beautiful Life Awaits" (2023). Dick Pope Sr. Institute Publications. 82.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/dickpope-pubs/82