Page 113 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

90 The Americas

Bay) but building work has yet to begin. One course people can get to the island in sufficient
relatively straightforward and quick option might volume in the first place (see above). It seems to
be to build a floating jetty away from any marine us that the physical presence of the observatory
hazard zones. Several possible locations exist on on Montserrat provides competitive advantage
the western side of the island. that could be put to good use as a base for the
visiting public.
The role of the MVO
One quick-win option for the island is to make Would they come?
better use of the MVO as a potential tourist The discussion above assumes that provided access
attraction/visitor centre. Similar centres exist is made available, tourists would want to visit the
on other active volcanoes (Hawai‘i is a prime island. The simple answer (although not explicitly
example) and dormant ones also (e.g. Vesuvius), researched for the case in hand) is yes – a glance
that are popular destinations and would help to at Table 6.1 shows that volcanoes are indeed
generate much needed revenue and local significant tourist attractions, even those that are
employment via sales and catering. Provided of currently erupting.

Figure 6.3a Dark tourism?
Note: Visitors to Pompeii (destroyed in the AD79 eruption of Vesuvius) may be attracted by more than just the heritage and educational aspects of the
site. Pompeii as an authentic site of death and suffering fulfils those characteristics defining the darkest end of the dark tourism spectrum of Stone
(2006).
Source: Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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