Using tourism to reduce the development gap- Jamaica

• Background information

  • Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the West Indies. 
  • Population 2.7m
  • Economy based on minerals (bauxite and oil), agriculture (sugar and Rum) and some manufacturing
  • Has suffered slow growth, debt and unemployment
• Attractions

  • Beaches
  • Water sports
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Golf courses
  • Botanic Gardens
• Tourism is estimated to contribute up to 32% of GDP by 2024.
• US$2billion is paid each year in taxes to the government from tourism.
• The average tourist spends US$120 per day, bringing money from outside Jamaica.
• Tourism creates a multiplier effect.
• Tourism is the main source of employment for Jamaicans, providing 200,000 direct or indirect jobs in hotels, transport, attractions, and shops.
• Tourism develops skills which lead to prospects of better paid jobs in future.
• Large investment has been made on the North coast of Jamaica for tourism.
• New port and cruise liner facilities have been built at Trelawny for tourism.
• New hotels have been built for tourism.
• Improvements in roads and airports for tourism have been slower than other parts of the island.
• Some parts of Jamaica are still isolated for tourism.
• In Northern tourist areas, wealthy Jamaicans live in high quality housing, with a high standard of living.
• Large numbers of people nearby still live in poor housing with limited food supply and inadequate access to water, health and education.
• Tourism can create problems such as footpath erosion, excessive waste, and pollution.
• Tourism can also bring benefits such as conservation and landscaping, as seen in Montego Bay.
• Montego Bay has been improved by landscaping.
• A new water treatment plant at logwood reduces pollution from hotels.
• Negril marine nature park conserves the environment and attracts tourists.
• Ecotourism has expanded in more isolated regions.