Economic Sustainability of Eleuthera

Abstract

This paper explores the economic sustainability of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.  The Island of Eleuthera has a high unemployment rate.  The majority of employment is in the tourism and public service sector.  First, the economic history of Eleuthera is explored to find out what caused the economic stagnation of a once booming economy.  After exploring past economic trends on the island, the solution of ecotourism as a viable economic stimulus is examined.  Ecotourism case studies on similar islands were researched in terms of success and viability.  This paper finds that ecotourism is a both a sustainable and possible economic solution for the stagnant economy of Eleuthera.