Majority of these tourist dependent countries have populations of less than 1 million people and derive more than 10% of their GDP from the tourism industry. Million of tourists often visit these sparsely populated countries more than half of which are islands and archipelagos,each year. It is often the natural beauty of these countries that attracts tourist, unfortunately they are extremely vulnerable to climate change and have a lot to lose including their tourist industry.
Maldives
The world’s number one most tourism-dependent nation is The Maldives, a South Asian archipelagic state situated in the Indian Ocean that’s acquired a reputation for being the closest thing to paradise on Earth.
It is made up of 1,200 Islands and known for its beaches and reef formations. Tourist can go kayaking, snorkeling and picnicking in one of the uninhabited Islands.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $3 billion (75.1% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 80,400 (36.7% of total jobs).
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands off East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It boasts of its beaches, nature preserve, coral reefs and nature reserves. Among the wildlife are the giant Aldabra tortoises.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $999.9 million (64.2% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 29,700 (63.7% of total jobs).
Antigua and Barbuda
The islands, former British colonies in the Caribbean, both have beautiful beaches. The destination offers an abundance of beautiful, natural, open areas, fresh air and gorgeous tropical waters to experience without encountering crowds.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $806.1 million (52.4% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 17,000 (46.2% of total jobs).
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is 16 major islands in the Atlantic Ocean. A perennial favorite among cruise-goers and beach vacationers.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $4.5 billion (48.3% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 114,900 (56.2% of total jobs).
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a country in the South Pacific with about 80 islands. Visitors can go scuba diving in the coral reefs and explore the SS President Coolidge, a World War II troopship that sank as it tried to pass through the Segond Channel, forcing its evacuation.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $380.4 million (45.9% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 30,800 (39.2% of total jobs).
Cabo Verde
A volcanic archipelago, located in the Central Atlantic about 300 miles west of Senegal, Cabo Verde boasts dramatic topography that encompasses craggy mountains, lush valleys and sparkling blue bays.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $807.1 million (44.4% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 95,400 (38.9% of total jobs).
St. Lucia
An island in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is known for the Pitons mountains on its coast. There are white-sand beaches, diving, and festivals such as Jounen Kwéyòl or Creole Day, distinguished by feasts and music throughout the night.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $654.2 million (43.3% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 40,300 (52.4% of total jobs).
Belize
Situated on Central America’s eastern coast abutting the Caribbean Sea, Belize boasts beautiful beaches, enchanting tropical jungles and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $794 million (41.8% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 61,400 (37.1% of total jobs).
Barbados
Barbados has fine sandy beaches and surfing, gardens away from the coast, and lively nightlife. Its capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site with more than 100 historic buildings, forts, and museums to visit.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $2 billion (41.2% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 54,000 (41.3% of total jobs).
Fiji
Fiji is a South Pacific archipelago with more than 300 islands. On the water, visitors dive, surf, snorkel, kayak in the ocean, and raft on the river. There is hiking in the rainforests and visits to remote villages with overnight stays to get an understanding of Fiji culture. Fiji also has a large Indian community that celebrates Hindu festivals during the year.
- Tourism total contribution to GDP: $2 billion (39.3% of total GDP).
- Jobs reliant on tourism: 117,200 (35.7% of total jobs).
