In 2019, Macau generated the highest share of GDP through direct travel and tourism of any other economy worldwide, with over half its GDP coming from this sector. Macau is a city and a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China - its economy is largely based on casino gaming and tourism. The nation with the second highest share of GDP generated by direct travel and tourism was the Maldives. The country began to develop its travel and tourism industry in 1970s and now over 30 percent of GDP is coming from this sector in 2019.

What is GDP?

GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year. It is considered an important indicator of the economic strength of a country and a positive change is an indicator of economic growth.

What is direct contribution to GDP? The direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP reflects the ‘internal’ spending on travel and tourism (total spending within a particular country on travel and tourism by residents and non-residents for business and leisure purposes) as well as government 'individual' spending - spending by government on travel and tourism services directly linked to visitors, such as cultural (e.g. museums) or recreational (e.g. national parks).

In 2023, the share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in European Union member countries and the United Kingdom remained in most cases below the figures reported before the COVID-19 pandemic, but showed strong signs of recovery. Overall, Croatia was the EU country where travel and tourism contributed the highest share of gross domestic product in 2023. That year, these industries generated, directly and indirectly, nearly ** percent of the country's GDP. Portugal and Greece followed in the ranking in 2023, with travel and tourism representing **** percent and **** percent of GDP, respectively.

The average for 2020 based on 125 countries was 3.33 percent. The highest value was in Aruba: 43.39 percent and the lowest value was in Guinea: 0.01 percent. The indicator is available from 1995 to 2020. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Antigua and Barbuda was the Caribbean economy that relied the most on travel and tourism in 2022, with this sector accounting for more than 90 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). Aruba followed that year as the Caribbean island with the second-largest share of GDP from tourism.

In 2023, the United States was the country worldwide with the highest total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP. That year, the total GDP contribution of travel and tourism in the U.S. amounted to **** trillion U.S. dollars, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. China and Germany followed in the ranking in 2023, with travel and tourism's total contributions to GDP of around *** trillion and *** billion U.S. dollars, respectively. Overall, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide reached almost ** trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. What are the most visited countries worldwide? While the U.S. and China reported the highest figures in terms of travel and tourism contribution to GDP in 2023, it was a European destination that led the ranking of countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide. With *** million international arrivals in 2023, France was the most visited travel destination in the world that year, ahead of Spain, the United States, and Italy. How many people work in the global travel and tourism sector? After declining sharply due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide bounced back in 2023, reaching around *** million, nearly catching up with pre-pandemic levels. That year, China and India were the countries with the highest travel and tourism employment worldwide.

In 2024, Panama was estimated to be the most tourism-dependent economy in Latin America, with the sector accounting for 15.3 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). El Salvador followed in the ranking that year, with a share of tourism contribution to GDP above 15 percent too.

Contributing a staggering *** trillion U.S. dollars to China’s GDP in 2023, the travel and tourism industry proved to be a vital industry for the East Asian country’s economy. This pivotal industry provided huge GDP contributions to a number of countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and India both saw impressive figures, while Southeast Asia alone has experienced constant GDP increases from the travel and tourism industry. Why Asia-Pacific The travel and tourism industry has made significant monetary additions to many developing economies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Southeast Asia stands in the foreground as one of the regions which relies heavily on its tourism success. A success which could be inferred through the rising number of tourist arrivals to the ASEAN states. A likely reason why APAC has become one of the leading regions for tourism, could be related to its competitive prices. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are cheaper than the usual Western tourist hotspots, in this way, the region has begun to appeal to an increasing number of international travelers. Domestic tourism The Asia-Pacific region has not only attracted international tourists throughout recent years but has also received a great influx of domestic tourists. Growing economies in the region, resulting in an emerging middle class, have made the possibility of increased domestic travel a reality. Intra-regional tourism accounted for approximately half of APAC’s tourism.

The United States was the global travel destination with the highest international tourism receipts in 2023. That year, inbound tourism receipts in the U.S. amounted to roughly *** billion U.S. dollars. While this figure denoted a sharp annual increase, it remained below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Spain and the United Kingdom followed in the ranking in 2023, with around ** billion and ** billion U.S. dollars, respectively. What are the most visited countries in the world? While France ranked fourth based on international tourism receipts, it topped the list of the countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide, both before and after the impact of the pandemic. In 2023, France recorded *** million arrivals by international travelers, while Spain and the United States followed in the ranking with over ** million and ** million arrivals, respectively. What is the economic impact of travel and tourism worldwide? As estimated, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide amounted to just under ** trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. This figure refers to the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of these industries. That year, the number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide exceeded *** million.

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the tourism performance of STP with respect to the main determinants that have been found in the literature. Tourism is clearly a comparative advantage of STP and already an important economic activity, however, STP is far from the characterization of a tourism-dependent small economy. Tourism represents 10.8 percent of GDP and the ratio between international inbound tourists and population is at 14.5 percent. For a summary of how STP relates to other destinations. This puts STP as the twelfth country in terms of size of direct contribution of the tourism sector to GDP and the eighteenth in terms of the ratio between tourists and population. Using data from different sources, this note analyzes STP’s tourism-related characteristics and uses different empirical tools to evaluate them vis-à-vis its peers. Economic literature shows that tourism demand is affected by price and income but also by a host of other factors such as air connectivity, language, and culture among others. First, there is an extensive research agenda on measuring price and income elasticities of tourism, which is specific for different types of tourism destination. Second, there is a myriad of characteristics that are found to be important to the tourism industry, such as remoteness, language, culture, air connectivity, bilateral trade, etc. More recently, there has been many studies emphasizing the role of digital media and digital presence1 as a key determinant of tourist decisions.

Travel and Tourism Market Outlook

The global travel and tourism market size was valued at approximately USD 8.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 12.5 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to increasing disposable incomes, advancements in transportation technology, and the rise of digital platforms facilitating travel planning and booking.

One of the primary growth drivers in the travel and tourism market is the increase in global disposable income, particularly in emerging economies. As more individuals in countries such as China, India, and Brazil move into the middle class, they possess more significant discretionary income, which they can allocate towards leisure and travel. This shift not only boosts domestic travel but also leads to a surge in international tourism as these new travelers explore destinations beyond their national boundaries.

Technological advancements have also played a critical role in propelling the travel and tourism market forward. The proliferation of smartphones and the internet has revolutionized the way people plan and book their travels. Digital platforms and mobile applications have made it easier for travelers to compare prices, read reviews, and make reservations, leading to a more streamlined and efficient travel planning process. Furthermore, innovations in transportation, such as more fuel-efficient aircraft and high-speed trains, have reduced travel times and costs, making travel more accessible to a broader audience.

Another significant factor contributing to the growth of the travel and tourism market is the increasing awareness and desire for experiential travel. Modern travelers, particularly millennials and Generation Z, seek unique and enriching experiences rather than traditional sightseeing tours. This trend has led to the rise of niche travel segments such as adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism, which offer immersive and personalized experiences. As a result, travel service providers are continuously evolving to cater to the changing preferences of their customers, further driving the market's expansion.

In this evolving landscape, Travel Management Systems have become indispensable for both corporate and leisure travelers. These systems streamline the entire travel process, from booking flights and accommodations to managing itineraries and expenses. By integrating various travel services into a single platform, Travel Management Systems offer users a seamless experience, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. They also provide valuable insights through data analytics, helping businesses optimize their travel policies and improve decision-making. As travel demands grow, the role of these systems in facilitating smooth and hassle-free travel experiences becomes increasingly critical.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific holds a dominant position in the travel and tourism market, driven by rapid economic growth, an expanding middle class, and a rich cultural heritage attracting both domestic and international tourists. North America and Europe follow closely, with well-established tourism infrastructure and strong demand for both domestic and international travel. The Middle East and Africa are emerging markets showing significant potential due to increasing investments in tourism infrastructure and efforts to diversify their economies away from oil dependence.

Type Analysis

The travel and tourism market can be segmented by type into domestic and international travel. Domestic travel, defined as travel within a travelerÂ’s own country, remains a significant portion of the market. This segment benefits from the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of not requiring passports, visas, or extensive travel preparations. In times of global uncertainty or economic downturns, domestic travel often sees a boost as individuals opt for closer, more affordable destinations. Governments also promote domestic tourism to support local economies and cultural heritage sites.

International travel, on the other hand, involves crossing national borders and often requires more rigorous planning and higher expenses. This segment is fueled by the allure of exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landmarks. It benefits from global connectivity improvements, such as increased direct flight routes and simplified visa processes. The expansion of low-cost airlines ha

Belize's tourism sector has been the most dependent on international travelers among all Central American countries in the past years. Between 2019 and 2021, for instance, expenditures of inbound visitors accounting for over 80 percent of the total tourism spending in the country. By contrast, inbound tourism in Honduras represented less than 25 percent of country's total tourism expenditures in that same period.

The Caribbean is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. The rapid rise in tourism flows has brought a number of benefits including jobs and incomes. However, given that the nations of the region are among the most tourist dependent countries in the world, there are a number of issues which need to be addressed if growth is to be sustained. From creating unique and diverse tourism offerings, to fostering regional collaboration and investing in infrastructural projects, this report sheds light onto how Caribbean nations can leverage their strengths and capitalize on new trends to ensure the future success of the sector and economic prosperity. Read More

In 2023, the travel and tourism industry contributed approximately *** billion U.S. dollars to the GDP in Southeast Asia. Comparatively, this value was about ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2019. GDP contributions from this industry in Southeast Asia saw consistent increases throughout the past decade until they halved in 2020 due to the global pandemic. Tourism in Southeast Asia is recovering The number of tourists in Southeast Asia increased significantly in the last decade. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism sector heavily, the Southeast Asian region is recovering the fastest from international tourist arrivals to the Asia-Pacific region. Southeast Asia was also the Asian subregion with a high year-on-year change in the monthly number of international tourist arrivals, especially from January to March. Importance of the tourism industry in Southeast Asia As tourism in Southeast Asia contributes highly to the GDP, many countries are dependent on tourism to stimulate their newly emerging economies. In addition to the monetary value, the tourism industry contributes significantly to employment in Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia falls into the top five leading countries with the highest total contribution of travel and tourism to employment worldwide. To maintain and even encourage the growth of the tourism sector, both regarding domestic and international tourists, many Southeast Asian countries are initiating programs such as easier visa attainment and the establishment of low-cost airlines to stimulate the tourism industry.  

Snapshot img

Cultural Tourism Market Size 2025-2029

The cultural tourism market size is forecast to increase by USD 8.41 billion, at a CAGR of 18.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of individuals seeking unique, immersive experiences to alleviate stress and enrich their personal growth. This trend is further fueled by the burgeoning adoption of advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in cultural tourism, enabling travelers to explore historical sites and artifacts in a more engaging and interactive manner. However, this market faces challenges as well. Overtourism, or the excessive concentration of tourists in specific locations, poses a threat to the preservation of cultural heritage sites and the local communities that rely on tourism.
Addressing this issue through sustainable tourism practices and effective crowd management strategies is essential for companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market while mitigating potential risks. By focusing on innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, while respecting and preserving cultural heritage, businesses can differentiate themselves and thrive in this dynamic and growing market.

What will be the Size of the Cultural Tourism Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing demand for authentic and immersive experiences. Crowd control and tourism infrastructure remain key concerns as cultural heritage sites attract large numbers of visitors. Digital guides and mobile applications enhance the visitor experience, offering GPS navigation, augmented reality, and interactive exhibits. Economic impact is a significant factor, with art galleries, language courses, and adventure tourism contributing to local economies. Visitor management systems and travel advisories ensure responsible tourism practices, while travel agencies and tourist information centers facilitate seamless travel experiences. Visa requirements and health precautions are essential considerations for tourists.

Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as waste management and cultural preservation, minimize environmental impact. Experiential tourism and educational tourism provide unique learning opportunities, while medical tourism caters to health-conscious travelers. Social media marketing and community-based tourism foster authentic connections with local communities. Cultural exchange programs promote cross-cultural understanding. Wellness tourism and religious tourism cater to specific niche markets, offering spiritual and rejuvenating experiences. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and tourist guides, bring history to life. Rural tourism and urban tourism offer diverse experiences, appealing to various travel preferences. Tourism policies and online booking platforms shape the industry, ensuring efficient and accessible travel experiences.

Ongoing trends include the integration of technology and the emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The market continues to unfold, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

How is this Cultural Tourism Industry segmented?

The cultural tourism industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Domestic cultural tourism
  International cultural tourism


Service

  Cultural eco-tourism
  Indigenous cultural tourism
  Socio-cultural tourism


Application

  Leisure
  Religious pilgrimage
  Education
  Research


Traveler Type

  Solo Travelers
  Group Travelers
  Families


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The domestic cultural tourism segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, domestic tourism is experiencing a significant surge, fueled by the quest for genuine experiences, technological innovations, and government incentives promoting local heritage. Mobile applications serve as essential tools, granting travelers instant access to detailed guides, maps, and cultural information for their destinations. This convenience and ease of use enhance the planning and navigation process for cultural tours. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications have gained popularity, offering immersive experiences that enable u

Israel's tourism industry has experienced significant challenges recently. After reaching a new peak in 2019, with *** million annual visitors, the country saw a dramatic drop to just ******* visitors in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A rebound in 2022 and 2023, ended with the start of the Israel-Hamas war at the end of 2023. Interestingly, some businesses have found ways to endure the slump in tourist arrivals. A pause on air travel With the start of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, international tourist travel to the country significantly diminished. Foreign airlines reduced their flight frequency, and at times even paused services. Between November 2023 and February 2024, no American carriers flew to the country. As a result, monthly air passenger traffic fell to just ******* in November 2023. A new war economy Despite setbacks, some tourism-oriented businesses found openings in the new war economy. To offset the loss of foreign visitors, local hotels accommodated Israelis evacuated from conflict regions in the North and South of the country. In the month following the outbreak of hostilities, hotels hosted over *** million guest-nights with Israeli customers. The Israel national airline, El Al, is another example of resilience. As the company maintained its services throughout 2024, it became the most reliable air travel provider, resulting in a doubling of its quarterly profits.

Tourist Arrivals in Indonesia increased to 1306000 in May from 1164539 in April of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Indonesia Tourist Arrivals - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Abstract

Tourism statistics traditionally represent an important field of official statistics, since they contribute significantly to the economic and market analysis of the tourism sector in Palestine.

Palestine attracts many tourists who come to tour its highly valued religious and historical sites. The household sample survey conducted from 24 March 2015 to 31 May 2015. Tourism is a key to many countries economy thanks to its significant contribution to GDP. For this reason, PCBS established a statistical program to monitor and produce reliable and timely statistics on the main indicators of tourism activity. This program began in 1996 with the implementation of the Hotel Survey, which provides periodic data on accommodation statistics.

Geographic coverage

Palestine

Analysis unit

Household the Palestine

Universe

It consists of all Palestinian households who are staying normally in Palestine during 2015.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sampling frame was based on master sample which was update in 2013-2014 for (Expenditure and Consumption Survey (PECS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)) surveys, and the frame consists from enumeration areas. These enumeration areas are used as primary sampling units (PSUs) in the first stage of the sampling selection.

Sample size: The sample size is 7,690 households for Palestine level, 6,609 households responded.

Sampling Design: Two stage stratified cluster (PPS) sample as following:

First stage: selection of a PPS random sample of 370 enumeration areas.

Second stage: A random systematic sample of 20 households from each enumeration area selected in the first stage.

Sample strata: The population was divided by: 1- Governorate 2- locality type (urban, rural, camps)

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The tourism questionnaire was design of the accordance with similar international experiences and with international standards and recommendations for the most important indicators, taking into account the special situation of Palestine.

Cleaning operations

The data processing stage consisted of the following operations: 1.Editing and coding prior to data entry: all questionnaires were edited and coded in the office using the same instructions adopted for editing in the field.

2.Data entry: The Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey questionnaire was programmed and the data were entered into the computer in the offices in Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah and Gaza. At this stage, data were entered into the computer using a data entry template developed in Access. The data entry program was prepared to satisfy a number of requirements: ·To prevent the duplication of questionnaires during data entry. ·To apply checks on the integrity and consistency of entered data. ·To handle errors in a user friendly manner. ·The ability to transfer captured data to another format for data analysis using statistical analysis software such as SPSS.

Response rate

Response rate was 89.5%

Sampling error estimates

Data of this survey may be affected by sampling errors due to use of a sample and not a complete enumeration. Therefore, certain differences are expected in comparison with the real values obtained through censuses. Variances were calculated for the most important indicators and the variance table is attached with the final report. There is no problem with the dissemination of results on national.

The boundaries of the CLME Project encompass the Caribbean Sea LME and the North Brazil Shelf LME and include 26 countries and 19 dependent territories of France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. These countries range from among the largest (e.g. Brazil, USA) to among the smallest (e.g. Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis), and from the most developed to the least developed. Consequently, there is an extremely wide range in their capacities for living marine resource management. Throughout the region, the majority of the population inhabits the coastal zone, and there is a very high dependence on marine resources for livelihoods from fishing and tourism, particularly among the small island developing states (SIDS), of which there are 16. In addition 18 of the 19 dependent territories are SIDS. The region is characterized by a diversity of national and regional governance and institution arrangements, stemming primarily from the governance structures established by the countries that colonized the region. Physical and geographical characteristics The Caribbean Sea is a semi-enclosed ocean basin bounded by the Lesser Antilles to the east and southeast, the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) to the north, and by Central America to the west and southwest. It is located within the tropics and covers 1,943,000 km2. The Wider Caribbean, which includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and the adjacent parts of the Atlantic Ocean encompasses an area of 2,515,900 km2 and is the second largest sea in the world. (Bjorn 1997, Sheppard 2000, IUCN 2003). It is noted for its many islands, including the Leeward and Windward Islands situated on its eastern boundary, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. There is little seasonal variation in surface water temperatures. Temperatures range from 25.5 °C in the winter to 28 °C in the summer. The adjacent region of the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem is characterized by its tropical climate. It extends in the Atlantic Ocean from the boundary with the Caribbean Sea to the Paraiba River estuary in Brazil. The LME owes its unity to the North Brazil Current, which flows parallel to Brazil’s coast and is an extension of the South Equatorial Current coming from the East. The LME is characterized by a wide shelf, and features macrotides and upwellings along the shelf edge. It has moderately diverse food webs and high production due in part to the high levels of nutrients coming from the Amazon and Tocantins rivers, as well as from the smaller rivers of the Amapa and western Para coastal plains. The Caribbean Sea averages depths of 2,200 m, with the deepest part, known as the Cayman trench, plunging to 7,100 m. The drainage basin of the Wider Caribbean covers 7.5 million km2 and encompasses eight major river systems, from the Mississippi to the Orinoco (Hinrichsen 1998). The region is highly susceptible to natural disasters. Most of the islands and the Central American countries lie within the hurricane belt and are vulnerable to frequent damage from strong winds and storm surges. Recent major natural disasters include hurricanes Gilbert (1988) and Hugo (1989), the eruptions of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat (1997) and the Piparo Mud Volcano in Trinidad (1997), as well as drought conditions in Cuba and Jamaica during 1997-98, attributed to the El Niño phenomenon. More recently Hurricane Georges devastated large areas, as did Hurricanes Mitch and Ivan (2004). In the case of Ivan, damages were extensive to both natural and infrastructural assets, with estimates reported by Grenada of US$815 million, the Cayman Islands US$1.85 billion, Jamaica US$360 million and Cuba US$1.2 billion. Although the intense category 5 hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not make landfall in the Caribbean, in 2005, Hurricane Wilma devastated the Yucatan peninsula and has the distinction of being the most intense hurricane on record in the Atlantic. Ecological status The marine and coastal systems of the region support a complex interaction of distinct ecosystems, with an enormous biodiversity, and are among the most productive in the world. As mentioned above, several of the world's largest and most productive estuaries (Amazon and Orinoco) are found in the region. The coast of Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world extending some 250 kilometers and covering approximately 22,800 km2. The region's coastal zone is significant, encompassing entire countries for many of the island nations. Fish and Fisheries A wide range of fisheries activities (industrial, artisanal and recreational) coexist in the CLME Project area. Overall landings from the main fisheries rose from around 177,000 tonnes in 1975 to a peak of 1,000,000 tonnes in 1995 before declining to around 800,000 tonnes in 2005. The total landings from all fisheries shows the decline over the last decade. In the reef fish fisheries, declines in overall landings are rarely observed; instead, there are shifts in species composition. For instance a decline in the percentage of snapper and grouper in the catch, the larger, long-lived predators, is an indication of over exploitation; although not in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem, this pattern was evident in Bermuda between 1969 and 1975 where the percentage of snappers and groupers declined from 67% to 38% and also on the north coast of Jamaica between 1981 and 1990 where the 11 decline was from 26% to 12%. According to an FAO assessment, some 35% of the region's stocks are overexploited. The fisheries of the Caribbean Region are based upon a diverse array of resources. The fisheries of greatest importance are for offshore pelagics, reef fishes, lobster, conch, shrimps, continental shelf demersal fishes, deep slope and bank fishes and coastal pelagics. There is a variety of less important fisheries such as for marine mammals, sea turtles, sea urchins, and seaweeds. The management and governance of these fisheries varies greatly and is fragmented with incomplete or absent frameworks at the sub-regional and regional levels and weak vertical and horizontal linkages. The fishery types vary widely in exploitation; vessel and gear used, and approach to their development and management. However, most coastal resources are considered to be overexploited and there is increasing evidence that pelagic predator biomass has been severely depleted (FAO 1998, Mahon 2002, Myers and Worm 2003). Recreational fishing, an important but undocumented contributor to tourism economies, is an important link between shared resource management and tourism, as the preferred species are mainly predatory migratory pelagics (e.g. billfishes, wahoo, and dolphinfish). This aspect of shared resource management has received minimal attention in most Caribbean countries (Mahon and McConney 2004). Pollution and Ecosystem Health Pollution, mainly from land-based sources, and degradation of nearshore habitats are among the major threats to the region’s living marine resources. The CLME is showing signs of environmental stress, particularly in the shallow waters of coral reef systems and in semi-enclosed bays. Coastal water quality has been declining throughout the region, due to a number of factors including rapid population growth in coastal areas, poor land-use practices and increasing discharges of untreated municipal and industrial waste and agricultural pesticides and fertilizers. Throughout the region, pollution by a range of substances and sources including sewage, nutrients, sediments, petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals is of increasing concern. The GIWA studies identified a number of pollution hotspots in the region, mainly around the coastal cities. Pollution has significant transboundary implications, as a result of the high potential for transport across EEZs in wind and ocean currents. Not only could this cause degradation of living marine resources in places far from the source, but it could also pose a threat to human and animal health by the introduction of pathogens. Pollution has been implicated in the increasing episodes of fish kills in the region, although this is not conclusive. Socio-economic situation The physical expanse of the region's coastal zone is significant, encompassing the entire land mass for many of the islands. Additionally, for countries such as the island nations of the Caribbean, Panama and Costa Rica, marine territory represents more than 50% of the total area under national sovereignty. In general, the region’s coastal zone is where the majority of it human population live and where most economic activities also take place. In 2001, the population of the Caribbean Sea region (not including the United States) was around 102 million, of which it is estimated that 59% is in Colombia and Venezuela, 27% is in Cuba and Hispaniola, 10% is in Central America and Mexico, and 3% is in the Small Islands. Taking into account the population growth rate for each country in the Caribbean Sea region, it is expected that the number of inhabitants would be close to 123 million in 2020. When the population for Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the regions of Brazil and Florida that comprise the CLME Project are included, this number is expected to increase to approximately 130 million. Almost all the countries in the region are among the world’s premier tourism destinations, providing an important source of income for their economies. The population in the Caribbean Sea region swells during the tourist season by the influx of millions of tourists, mostly in beach destinations. In 2004, for example, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo received 10.8 million tourists with over 35% of those arriving by cruise ships. There is a high dependence on living marine resources for food, employment and income from fishing and tourism, particularly among the SIDS. Although its contribution to GDP is relatively low, marine

Humans have altered ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than ever, largely to meet rapidly growing demands for resources along with economic development. These demands have been considered important drivers of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Are humans becoming less dependent on ecosystem services and biodiversity following economic development? Here, we used roundwood production, hydroelectricity generation and tourism investment in 92 biodiversity hotspot and 60 non-hotspot countries as cases to seek the answer. In 1980–2005, annual growth rates of roundwood production, hydroelectricity generation and tourism investment were higher in hotspot countries (5.2, 9.1 and 7.5%) than in non-hotspot countries (3.4, 5.9 and 5.6%), when GDP grew more rapidly in hotspot countries than non-hotspot countries. Annual growth rates of per capita hydropower and per capita tourism investment were higher in hotspot countries (5.3% and 6.1%) than in non-hotspot countries (3.5% and 4.3%); however, the annual growth rate of per capita roundwood production in hotspot countries (1%) was lower than in non-hotspot countries (1.4%). The dependence of humans on cultural services has increased more rapidly than on regulating services, while the dependence on provisioning services has reduced. This pattern is projected to continue during 2005–2020. Our preliminary results show that economic growth has actually made humans more dependent upon ecosystem services and biodiversity. As a consequence, the policies and implementations of both economic development and ecosystems/biodiversity conservation should be formulated and carried out in the context of the increased dependence of humans on ecosystem services along with economic development.

Cabo Verde’s climate exposure, partly also because of its geography, is compounded by economic vulnerabilities. The country has experienced robust economic growth since the early 1990s and achieved a substantial reduction in poverty, but growth has been volatile and has slowed in recent years. Reflecting the comparative advantage of its attractive natural geography, growth has primarily been driven by the tourism sector, which accounts for a quarter of gross domestic product (GDP), over half of exports, and most foreign direct investment. For similar reasons, the archipelago is heavily reliant on imports, notably those of fuel and food. High levels of remittance and concessional international financing serve to bridge its external financing needs, but they generate additional external vulnerabilities. Adding to this, although recurrent fiscal deficits have recently resorbed, public spending is rigid, and public debt remains above 100 percent of GDP. The COVID-19 pandemic put Cabo Verde’s external vulnerabilities on display, causing a steep decline in tourism revenue and a surge in the food and fuel import bill before the economy returned to pre-pandemic conditions in 2023. This CCDR analyzes how Cabo Verde can build climate resilience and stimulate low carbon development, while identifying key enablers. The Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) estimates the projected economic and social damage from climate change in chapter 1. The report then proceeds to a discussion of the country’s relevant institutional and legal framework in chapter 2, the main ways in which a climate-resilient economy can be achieved at the water-land nexus and through the blue economy and infrastructure systems in chapter 3, the green transition in the energy, transport, waste, and digital sectors in chapter 4, the core actions to support the private sector and people to become more climate shock-resilient though social protection, and finally, the skills needed for, and the strengthening of, the health system in chapter 5. Chapter 6 brings together the recommendations presented in the earlier chapters, estimating their costs and benefits and modeling their effects on the economy.