Tourists perceptions of Caribbean islands facing environmental threats before the COVID-19 health crisis: Holbox Island and Archipelago of Bocas del Toro

Knowledge gaps exist in the socio-ecological systems of small touristic islands in Latin America. Understanding tourists' perceptions of their environmental knowledge can help plan actions to prevent natural capital loss necessary for local economies. Tourists' perceptions of a touristic hotspot, Holbox Island, were documented. Surveys demonstrated that tourists are aware of their environmental impacts and are interested in minimizing these. Results were compared with results on Bocas del Toro, Panama. Tourists' perceptions had similarities among sites driven by similarities in tourists' populations with a common geographic origin. Tourists lack site-specific knowledge to steer them towards environmentally conscious decisions in both regions. Findings suggest the need to promote local actions to gain tourists' understanding about their destination and support education programs on island conservation. Addressing these needs can help build resilience to overcome the adverse socio-environmental effects of tourism, environmental disasters, and health crises as COVID-19 on small islands.

Automated summary

Knowledge gaps exist in small touristic islands in Latin America, and understanding tourists' perceptions of environmental knowledge can help plan actions to prevent natural capital loss. The study compared tourists' perceptions in Holbox Island and Bocas del Toro, Panama, and found similarities driven by tourists' populations with a common geographic origin. Both regions lack site-specific knowledge to guide environmentally conscious decisions. Promoting local actions and education programs can help build resilience against adverse socio-environmental effects.