Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Finance

Advisor/Mentor

Farmer, Amy Lynn

Abstract

This thesis examines the interplay between tourism development and cultural preservation in Dangriga, Belize. Dangriga is a town with a rich Garifuna heritage, and its residents take great pride in maintaining and sharing their traditions with both future generations and visitors. However, Dangriga remains relatively underdeveloped as a tourist destination. By conducting interviews with community stakeholders, my team and I created a needs analysis focused on the most prominent concerns voiced by residents, while offering an outside perspective. In addition to our experiences in Belize, I conducted independent research on the potential impacts of cruise tourism, the benefits of community-based tourism models, and the critical role of government engagement in shaping sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Ultimately, this thesis aims to support tourism practices that preserve Dangriga’s heritage while addressing the town’s long-standing developmental challenges.

Keywords

Belize; Tourism; Economic Growth; Cruise Tourism; Community-Based Tourism; Government in Tourism

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