Jamaica

Question 1

Q: What are some key facts about Jamaica that make it attractive to tourists?

Answer 1

4th largest island in the Caribbean

Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round

Famous for sandy beaches and rich culture

Good communications and cruise ship access

Question 2

Q: How has tourism in Jamaica grown since the 1990s?

Answer 2

Visitor arrivals increased significantly from 1994 to 2016

Growth slowed in 2009 due to the global recession

Tourist spending rose from $128 million in 1975 to $3.4 billion in 2019

Question 3

How does tourism help reduce Jamaica’s development gap?

Answer 3

Contributes over 50% of foreign exchange earnings

Employs about 200,000 people directly and indirectly

Stimulates other sectors like agriculture, banking, and manufacturing

Question 4

How does tourism benefit Jamaican farmers?

Answer 4

Hotels buy local produce, reducing reliance on imports

Example: Sandals Resort Farmers Program – expanded from 10 to 80 farmers

In 2018, Sandals invested $25 million, including $3.5 million in potato seeds for local supply

Question 5

What infrastructure improvements has tourism brought to Jamaica?

Answer 5

Expansion of ports, airports, and roads

Roads developed more slowly due to cruise ship prioritization

Some hotel owners were frustrated by the slow road development

Question 6

What are the social and environmental impacts of tourism in Jamaica?

Answer 6

Better quality of life in areas like Montego Bay

Landscaping and creation of nature parks
Negative:

Pockets of poverty still remain despite tourism growth