1. MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS GEOGRAPHY AND TOURISM CHAPTER 5

7. MAJOR GEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Highly diverse physical and cultural environment Accessible to major markets in North America and Europe Dependent on plantation agriculture Distinct climate zones Large contrast between rich and poor

8. Major Tourism Characteristics Major attraction is sun-sea-sand Has major archaeological sites of early American civilizations Tourism is highly seasonal, except for Mexico Is considered the major cruise region of the world Usually believed to be tropical environment, however most people know little about each island

9. Major Tourist Destinations Capital cities Colonial towns Resorts of the islands Archaeological sites in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras Beach resorts in Cancun, Mazatlan, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta Border towns of the U.S. Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Virgin islands, Dominican Republic and St. Maarten