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Seawater quality is critical for island and coastal communities dependent on coastal tourism. Improper management of coastal development and inland watersheds can decrease seawater quality and adversely impact marine life, human health, and economic growth. Agricultural runoff and improper sewage management compromise nearshore water quality in many coastal regions and can impact visitation decisions of tourists who are drawn to these destinations. The purpose of this paper is to understand how tourists’ decisions to revisit Barbados might be affected by changes in coastal and marine quality. We use data collected from tourists to examine how tourists’ stated willingness to return is affected by scenarios involving changes in seawater quality, beach width and coral reef health. Results reveal that return decisions are sensitive to changes in all aspects of coastal and marine quality. A reduction in seawater quality discourages tourists’ intention to return more than other environmental factors. These results are of paramount interest to destination managers, marketers and policymakers who rely on repeat visitation data to develop marketing strategies and infer future direction. This research highlights the importance of prioritizing seawater quality management to protect the coastal tourism product, especially in small island developing states (SIDS) with a high reliance on tourism income.

In line with recent tourism international organizations' outcry on stringent visa regulations for short-term travel negatively impacting the tourism industry, this paper sheds light into why some countries have more tourist visa-free access than others. We contribute to the politics of tourism literature by providing an understanding of the underlying determinants of political decisions with regard to the number of visa-free privileges offered. The empirical analysis uses count regression models while guided by relevant theories borrowed from migration studies, given that some visitors overstay and become illegal immigrants, which result in visa policies mitigating this phenomenon. Findings underscore the role of public policies centered on improving governance and economic development, deepening their financial sector and engaging in appropriate social networking groups. Such policies will promote global economic welfare, which can eradicate poverty and ignite economic recovery. The results also inform theory in devising an appropriate framework for visa strategic analysis.