Tourism for Development in Jamaica: Luxury or Lifeline?
Jamaica: More Than Sun, Sand, and Selfies Let’s be real for a moment—when most people hear “Jamaica,” they think beaches, Bob Marley, rum punch, and vibes. But for us who live here and work in the industry, tourism is way deeper than Instagram moments. It’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline. Tourism in Jamaica feeds families, builds communities, and keeps the economic engine running. Without it? The country would feel the shock instantly—like a reggae band missing the bassline. Jamaica’s Tourism Story From Plantations to Resorts Jamaica’s tourism didn’t just appear overnight. It evolved from colonial plantation roads into cruise ports, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and Airbnb homestays. From Montego Bay to Negril, from the Blue Mountains to Port Antonio, tourism is stitched into the national fabric. What started as elite travel for the wealthy is now a mass employer touching farmers, taxi drivers, tour guides, chefs, artisans, and yes—travel agents like me. What Tourism Really Means f...