Most of us understand what colonialism is. But what is neo-colonialism? The Britannica Dictionary defines neo-colonialism as “the control of less-developed countries by developed countries through indirect means”. (Halperin, 2020) Essentially, we are 
talking about modern day colonialism. This term is most often used when economic power is taken from a region (even if the region is independent) and is given to those of foreign countries, taking away economic freedom and shaping politics. An example of this economic power is the tourism industry.
Tourism seems like an industry that would help places such as the Caribbean Islands in the sense that it creates jobs for locals and brings cash flow from those enjoying their vacation. However, the primary institutions of the tourism industry such as airlines, tour operators, cruise ships, travel agents and hotels are majority owned, controlled and managed by larger outside corporations from larger countries. (Graham, 2021)
When discussing neo-colonialism, the topic of racism may come up for some. In the studies of journalist Polly Pattullo, it is suggested that many of the issues in the tourism industry are deeply rooted in slavery and colonialism in the sense that people of color in these countries are making a living through serving white tourist. With tourism being the main financial resource for small islands, it leaves native people of color with only menial jobs. Pattullo goes as far as to explain that the predominantly white American tourists bring their own racist attitudes and behavior on vacation with them, and locals often find themselves being dehumanized, treated as objects of fascination, and unwelcome on their own beaches and hotels. (Williams, 2012)
The consequences neo-colonialism on places such as the Caribbean over time can be understood through the reading of Jamaica Kincaid’s A Small Place. Tourism in Antigua as described in this book is a perfect example of a form of neo-colonialism. The harmful history is colonialism from the British has heightened their economic dependency on tourism and government corruption rooted in an oppressive history.
Halperin, S. (2020, May 6). neocolonialism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/neocolonialism
Graham, M., & Dadd, U. L. (2021). Deep-colonising narratives and emotional labour: Indigenous tourism in a deeply-colonised place. Tourist Studies, 21(3), 444–463. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/10.1177/1468797620987688
Williams, T.R. (2012). Tourism as a Neo-colonial Phenomenon: Examining the Works of Pattullo & Mullings.