Mass Tourism

Mass Tourism

1. Jamaica

   • 1.3 million visitors in 2001
   • tourism is the country's second biggest earner
   • 220,000 Jamaicans work directly in the tourism sector
   • local businesses depend on tourism
   • People chose to stay with local families. The money goes directly to the locals

2. Positive effects

   • Tourism brings jobs
   • new infrastructure must be put in place for tourists- airports, hotels, roads etc. These also benefit the local population
   • Construction jobs often go to local people, but they are temporary
   • New leisure facilities may be open to local people

3. Negative effects

   • The activity may be seasonal. Local people may find themselves out of work for the rest of the year
   • The industry is dominated by large travel companies offering package holidays
   • Few local employees are well paid. Most of the well paid jobs go to people from the company
   • Tourists often prefer familiar food, which would not be locally sourced

4. Strategies to reduce the negative effects

   • Offer activities that can be enjoyed all year
   • eat local food
   • make holidays that appeal to eco-tourists to benefit the local land and work force