Jamaica (tourism used to reduce the development gap)

• Introduction to tourism in Jamaica

  1.9 million tourists per year

  English speaking due to colonialism, large out migration to other English speaking countries, visually attractive, hot and humid climate.

  200,000 jobs created by tourism, making tourism the country's second biggest earner

  Tourism industry contributes over 50% of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings

  Jamaica needs tourism due to its slow growth, debt and unemployment.
• Positive impacts of tourism in Jamaica

  Positive multiplier effect as Jamaican tourist workers spend money in other Jamaican businesses

  Jobs in the formal economy mean tax is paid to the government, which can be used for funding or investment

  Investment in tourist area eg, new port and cruiseliner facilities on Northern coast lead to a higher standard of living in these areas

  Infrastructure development eg. improved transport links to support tourism also benefit locals, better water supply, electricity, sanitation improve standard of living
• Negative impacts of tourism in Jamaica

  Cruise liner passengers spend short time in Jamaica so spend less money overall, spending more concentrated around areas where cruise ships arrive

  Areas neglected due to focus on tourist-rich areas such as Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in the North. Other areas experience isolation, poor roads, lack of food, water, healthcare, education

  Environmental problems: footpath erosion, waste, emissions

  Economic leakage: 80% of all money spent by tourists in Caribbean region lost to other countrues or TNCs, meaning locals are forced into lower skilled, seasonal jobs