Jamaica case study

Question 1

Jamaica - backround information

Answer 1

• Located in the West Indies
• Population of nearly 3 million
• Main industry is manufacturing of materials and agricultural production
• Suited for tourism
• Jamaica has used tourism to close the development gap

Question 2

Jamaica - economy

Answer 2

• Tourism accounts for 34% of its GDP
• Earns $2 billion a year in tourism revenue
• Largest source of tourism exchange
• Development has led to improved infrastructure, roads and environmental conservation through ecotourism

Question 3

Jamaica - employment

Answer 3

• Tourism employs 300,000 people directly and indirectly
• Direct jobs: hotels, transport, tourist attractions
• Indirect jobs: jobs, restaurants and manufacturing
• Local spending in shops and services leads to multiplier effect
• Closes the development gap as more local spending leads to more money for businesses, so more jobs, which boosts the economy

Question 4

Jamaica - infrastructure

Answer 4

• Investments are centred at tourist hotspots
• The North coast saw a new port, cruise liner and hotels being built
• New tourist infrastructure attracts foreign investors
• Narrows the gap as more tourists are attracted, which generates more jobs, which boosts the economy

Question 5

Jamaica - quality of life

Answer 5

• In Northern tourist areas, wealthy residents have a high quality of life
• A very large number of people still live in poverty with poor housing and limited acces to clean water
• 25% of hotel workers are laid off during low season

Question 6

Jamaica - environment pros and cons

Answer 6

• Disadvantages: footpath erosion, excessive waste, harmful emmissions
• Advantages: conservation of landscape, ecotourism developments