{"product_id":"unpacked-a-history-of-caribbean-tourism-9781501766428","title":"Unpacked: A History of Caribbean Tourism","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eUnpacked provides a critical perspective on the Caribbean's desirability as a tourist paradise, tracing the historical roots of the region's tourism industry from its perception as diseased and dangerous to its current status as a fun and safe experience. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 258 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 25 October 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cornell University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnpacked offers a critical and novel perspective on the Caribbean's now-taken-for-granted desirability as a tourist paradise. Dreams of a tropical vacation have become a quintessential aspect of the modern Caribbean, as millions of tourists travel to the region and spend extravagantly to pursue vacation fantasies. At the beginning of the twentieth century, however, travelers from North America and Europe thought of the Caribbean as diseased, dangerous, and, according to many observers, the white man's graveyard. How then did a trip to the Caribbean become a supposedly fun and safe experience?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnpacked examines the historical roots of the region's tourism industry by following a well-traveled sea route linking the US East Coast with the island of Cuba and the Isthmus of Panama. Blake C. Scott describes how the cultural and material history of US imperialism became the heart of modern Caribbean tourism. In addition, he explores how advances in tropical medicine, perceptions of the tropical environment, and development of infrastructure and transportation networks opened a new playground for visitors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Caribbean's transformation from a diseased and dangerous region to a popular tourist destination is a fascinating tale of cultural, material, and medical history. The region's cultural history is deeply intertwined with the history of US imperialism, which played a significant role in shaping its tourism industry. The US's colonial presence in the Caribbean led to the development of a unique Caribbean culture that blends African, European, and Native American influences. This culture, in turn, became a major attraction for tourists seeking a different and exotic experience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdvances in tropical medicine also played a crucial role in transforming the Caribbean into a tourist paradise. The discovery of vaccines and treatments for tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever made it possible for travelers to visit the region without fear of contracting these illnesses. This, in turn, led to an increase in tourism and a boost in the region's economy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerceptions of the tropical environment also played a significant role in the region's tourism development. The idea of the \"tropical paradise\" was popularized in the early twentieth century by writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Joseph Conrad, who described the Caribbean as a place of beauty, adventure, and relaxation. This perception of the region attracted tourists seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDevelopment of infrastructure and transportation networks also played a crucial role in the region's tourism development. The construction of airports, highways, and other transportation infrastructure made it easier for tourists to travel to and from the Caribbean. This, in turn, led to an increase in tourism and a boost in the region's economy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the Caribbean's transformation from a diseased and dangerous region to a popular tourist destination is a testament to the power of cultural, material, and medical history. The region's unique cultural heritage, advances in tropical medicine, perceptions of the tropical environment, and development of infrastructure and transportation networks all played a significant role in shaping its tourism industry. Today, the Caribbean is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, offering a diverse range of experiences and attractions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 229 x 152 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781501766428\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake C. Scott","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44095764234490,"sku":"9781501766428","price":24.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1671203611559_book.jpg?v=1671523665","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/unpacked-a-history-of-caribbean-tourism-9781501766428","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}