Will recent Hurricanes cause increase in visitors?

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Originally Posted by halfwaytree

Good point!

I know of folks who when moving up and down the beach use the sidewalk just to avoid the tiresome dealings with the higglers. It's pretty sad when you travel to Negril for a beach holiday and you can't enjoy a simple walk down the beach without the constant approaches of vendors trying to get your attention. It can be over the top.

But yes, if things could change somehow it would be a win win. Less aggressive sales tactics by the vendors = more return visitors willing to open their wallets in a much more consumer freindly environment.

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The trouble here is "urgency". How many chances do they have to get a bite out of the apple. They think they must get you first before you see anyone else. They think it may be your last day and their last chance. I see it here in So. Florida on a smaller scale. You go to a venue where mostly locals go then the attitude is more relaxed vs going to a tourist event where the aggressive sales tactics are turned way up.

Negril Beach is the ultimate in tourist venue as almost everyone is a tourist and what locals there are looking for is your money. The more they see you and get to know you, the less pressure they exert and conversely for the newbie. Those that have been to places like Dunns River Falls or where the Tourist Ships dock see it vividly as these are mostly "a few hour visitors" so the pressure to score is jacked up even higher. When you go to Scott's Cove on the St. Eliz-Westmoreland border, everyone sells fish and bammy. A car pulls in, tourists or locals, and everyone rushes it with sharp elbows to score a sale because if you don't, you won't have any money at the end of the day.

Go to a tourist trap and inject more tourist and it will only get worse.

Just my opinion

"Aye, there's the rub." Visitors frequently ask where to find the 'Jamaican experience' but in reality they don't want all of it, and would pick and choose if they could.

They are complaining about the Jamaican market system. Surely you have seen vendors in and along the road in Mobay selling water, juice, flags, steering wheel covers, nuts, donuts etc.? If your face is unfamiliar at a market yes, all vendors will call to you, try to attract your attention. If you return again and again, YOU will determine which vendors you prefer to shop with and nearby vendors will know this by your actions. Anytime your vendor isn't there when you arrive, then surely they will try to help you.

Many Jamaicans likely don't know what your version of a pristine beach experience is...

Myself and my husband will be staying on Seven Mile beach this February as newbies to Jamaica and can hardly wait! We have been vacationing on the Pacific side of Mexico for many years and decided to change it up this year. With all of the devastation suffered in various Caribbean destinations from the hurricanes we settled on beautiful Jamaica..over many years of travelling to Mexico where the beach vendors are plentiful as well, we developed great friendships with a few and always look forward to seeing them and usually picking up a few of their wares....could this be something we can look forward to in Negril?!
The vendors in Mexico can be and are aggressive at times as well...

Kootenaygirl : Where will you be staying? Knowing that many on here can give your first hand knowledge of specific vendors that will be in vicinity of your hotel

We are at Treehouse, read lots of positives on it and we're pretty laid back people, thought it might be a good fit!

you should start your day by buying fresh juice (all types) from Flex [he will come by several times during the day]; Cortis (who is a Negril beach icon) who sells fruits from a big basket that she balances on her head while she walks [she won't be on beach on Sunday as she goes to Church]; Dean the Pork Guys (has his own hog farm) will come by around noon [he likewise goes to Church], carries aluminum hot box with mild and hot jerk pork; Norman the Patty Man who pushes a bicycle with big box on handle bars and sells different varieties of patties; and, then there will be the vendors selling crafts; glass bottom boat tours, catamaran tours, "handy work", and the many farmers who proclaim to be selling their own herb. Be leery of buying edibles as strength varies so proceed with caution.

Welcome to the Board Kootenaygirl!

My take on this is different than many others since I live here. The beach vendors rarely bother me anymore. I still get a few new vendors ask me to buy something, but for the most part they know me and leave me alone. I do remember how it was and they can be persistent as some have stated - but in fairness they do need money to put food on the table. They wont know how many other vendors approached you that day, and if you keep that in mind it can make things easier.

Some of my best friends I never would have met if they had not tried to sell me something years ago. Some of them I see almost everyday, others maybe once a month. But we wouldnt be friends today if they had not approached me and tried to make a sale.

Once again, welcome to the Negril Message Board!

Thanks for the warm welcome and JahCruiser, that is Exactly the kind of info I was looking for, love tips and knowledge from those who know...!!!!!

And yes, we're all coming........!!!!

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Originally Posted by Kootenaygirl

Thanks for the warm welcome and JahCruiser, that is Exactly the kind of info I was looking for, love tips and knowledge from those who know...!!!!!

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Jah Cruiser is Directly on Target