Tourism Minister invites ideas!

There is an interesting article in the Observer where the Minister of Tourism states:

"Always remember that when visitors leave the confines of their homelands to visit your destination they go in search of their passions. It is your job to find out what those passions are and to find ways to ensure you satisfy them."

To help and assist directly, Negril.com invites you, our visitors, to let us know what your passions are! Please leave us a comment as to what you want to see for the future of Negril and Jamaica from a visitors' perspective!

Thank you!

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...s-of-consumers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rob

there is an interesting article in the observer where the minister of tourism states:

"always remember that when visitors leave the confines of their homelands to visit your destination they go in search of their passions. It is your job to find out what those passions are and to find ways to ensure you satisfy them."

to help and assist directly, negril.com invites you, our visitors, to let us know what your passions are! Please leave us a comment as to what you want to see for the future of negril and jamaica from a visitors' perspective!

Thank you!

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...s-of-consumers

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bravo!

Hello? Any ideas for the Minister of Tourism? (grin)

Sorry can't be bothered with all the sign up stuff ...BUT- Clean the place up -ban styrofoam take out containers ..give the people ..full-time jobs picking up trash !!!recycling...needs to be #1..
people aren't gonna bother coming ..if the place is a garbage pit

Slightly,

Thanks for your ideas! No need to worry about any sign up stuff, not sure what you mean but we will pass this on to the Ministry!

Thanks again!

Thanks Rob,
I hope I didn't come off sounding like a ...jerk
I've been going to JA. since '89
& love the country & it's people ...
the tourism $$$ is going to spread thinner ..with Cuba/US relations
My hope is that JA. will continue on a path of success ..

Come on ya'll. You must have ideas.

Contribute to the improvement of your experience and others

Speak up!


Cap

Well Rob, my comment probably won't help much - when I leave home I just want to get away from work and zone out and that's easy in Jamaica. What I would most love to see is all children provided a free, quality education. Can the Minister of Tourism help with that? :)

Hi Rob,

I have some suggestions I would like to make:

Get rid of the hassle. Stop allowing hustlers free reign on the beach, road and cliffs. I'm not talking about the patty mon, or the fruits lady, or the hat guy, or any of that - that shouldn't be messed with and is part of the charm of Negril. If I did not continue to drag my wife there, we would have stopped visiting after the first time. Now, she stays at the pool or on property while I go explore/eat/drink etc unless we have a specific destination in mind and we use taxis. No more wandering the beach / cliff road for her, as the hassle / hustle, at least for her, is way too much. (And we've been all over the Caribbean and the world, and we've never gotten it as bad as we've gotten it in Negril at times).

Get the cannabis tourism stuff worked out, and make it easy. Something akin to the Amsterdam coffeeshop experience or the dispensary experience in Colorado for example. I want to be able to enter a business establishment, review my purchase options, and have choices, with an expectation of quality. No more buying ganja of varying quality from random people, or needing to find a "hook up" for quality gear. It would be great if there were smoker-friendly places, real smoker friendly places - not just places that look the other way - tailored to the cannabis smoker.

Clean the place up - literally clean it. There is trash strewn all over the place. Walk the cliff road and there's garbage everywhere. There are also buildings that are barely standing, vacant and abandoned for years. There are eyesores everywhere. When I think about inviting friends or family to join us, my first thought is the "first impression" - are they going to see the run down, abandoned buildings, garbage and whatnot, and make a judgement before they even reach their hotel and see what it's all about? First impressions are EVERYTHING. I have a best friend who I KNOW would look around as we drive through Negril on his first time and would ask why I brought him to such a dump. It's hard to overcome those first impressions, so I haven't invited him. I'm not saying Negril isn't beautiful and breathtaking - if you take a moment to look around and can look past some of that - it's the most beautiful place and there's no where else in the world I would rather be on my free time - but that's ME.

I have another suggestion - get the businesses... the hotels, the restaurants, the stores, vendors, etc...get them all ON LINE. There are so many businesses with absolutely no online presence. Give them some kind of incentive to get online. It's the 21st century, and there are hotels that can't be found online, and that is a huge detriment to their business. I may want to stay at Moms Place because when staying at Travellers I ate lunch there and saw what a nice property they have... but then I get home, try to find their website...and nothing. It's practically like they don't exist. So who is going to book with them? If it's not easy, it's not going to happen. Same with restaurants. Can't find a menu, can't find an address... can't find anything.

Excellent suggestions. .Harry S.

Harry S that was perfect. Garbage, hustlers and Amsterdam. It sounds so simple but whats it going to take. You have to change the culture and that takes a generation. I was behind a police car when I saw a plastic bottle come flying out the drivers window, how do you fix that. It's cultural and until Jamaica figures that out it's just going to get worse. One love pull up your pants and put the garbage where it belongs.

I agree with the "trash" issue ............ it cost nothing to pick up the trash ............... educate the people to clean up and not throw trash on the ground ............ the government needs to spend the resources to pick up and dispose of this trash .............. seems like the few places that have trash containers are always over flowing with trash ................. besides being unsightly it is a health hazard and attracts feral animals such as rats, cats, and dogs.

Speaking of cats and dogs ............... institute programs to reduce the number of wild feral cats and dogs on the island.

DO NOT get rid of the "soul" of the country ................. the island architecture, vibe, music, food, etc...

I am so torn to say what I think. We love Negril. But at the same time, I know, having recommended Negril as a destination and having the people be less than smitten, that there are some things that should be addressed. One couple loved Negril, the beach, they stayed at Swept Away and never left the property. The other couple stayed at Charela Inn and while they loved the inn and the all inclusive option they were very disappointed with the overall feel of the area and especially the "vendors". They are younger then us (we are officially old) and open minded but felt intimidated to the point where they did not stray very far from the inn. Knowing them and their vibe I will not try to recommend the location as a destination to other travelers, ever again. I honestly felt bad, even though I warned them and gave them advice about dealing with the hustle. Visitors should not have to learn about how to deal with hustlers. Visitors should not have to be intimated by people who while trying to make a living make the folks who are vacationing feel less than safe. We will continue to visit. We have our 5th trip on Sat. We are not bothered by anything. The draw for us is the shore. The sunsets. The low profile. The trees. The food. The quirky appeal of everything. The price point doesn't hurt either. But it seems like most people would rather plunk down more cash to have a more serene experience for their island get away. We have been to many destinations. My husband more so. And we don't care about being hassled by some local folks who want to sell us stuff we are not interested in. We are not going to be intimated by anything. We are there to relax and get away from the hassles of every day life. We don't want Negril to loose its soul. But come on. They have to be concerned that people are feeling less than safe while there. We went to Cancun and did not like it much but did find us commenting how clean and fresh everywhere seemed. While there were plenty of people selling stuff along the beach not a one made anyone (and we were there with 100 people for a wedding) felt intimidated. That shore in Negril is phenomenal to us. It amazes us that there is empty abandoned lots on what looks like a gold mind. There are plenty of people who would love to stay at small boutique resorts at a reasonable price. But there is a fear factor for some people who travel to Negril and that is not something anyone wants to deal with. Even some of the "seedier" locales (Thailand comes to mind) people do not feel threatened. I have never felt threatened, but plenty of people do. I read a lot of reviews. Part and parcel the biggest complaint is the "vendors". Trash, well we don't find Long Bay to be particularly littered. But man, the undeveloped areas on Bloody Bay sure are. While there is a certain appeal to the Bohemian vibe, sometimes I think that Negril takes it too far. I was greeted at a Tim Air flight during our first trip by a person who did the bracelet thing. Just off putting. No one wants to go on holiday, no matter how affordable, to be harassed. And while travelers may seem to have deep pockets, there is a reason why we are there besides the wonderful shore and all that is wonderful about Negril. It is a place we can go again and again, even though we are not rich. We don't have deep pockets to buy crap that you might have to sell. I stayed at Idle Awhile and loved the food vendors and enjoyed the others, but they never bothered us. Been all around the world and have never dealt with the hard approach as in Negril. We shall see how this up coming trip goes. Maybe we might rethink our destination going forward. People work hard for their money and want to be able to chill on their holiday and don't want to be bothered by hustlers.

I think it's great the Tourism Minister wants to hear from us, let's hope it will make a difference !
We love Jamaica for a reason; the people, culture, vibe, food and the love. The country is beautiful.
Few things to make visiting Jamaica even more enjoyable;
1. Roads to Negril....Such a popular place!! Ricks café, Margarittaville etc, The roads are horrible, improvements for everyone including the locals !
2. Trash.....
3. Hustlers, safety on the beach day and night

4 words -

Reggae Hall Of Fame

Would love to see some more respect being paid to preserving the environment:
1. Plastic bags are a detriment to oceanic life. They have killed whales and turtles.
2. Some sunscreens can kill coral.
3. From the limited amount of (even small) fish I have seen while snorkeling compared to other islands, it does seem over-fished.
4. Have seen threads elsewhere about parrotfish being taken for food, they help keep the reefs protected: http://voices.nationalgeographic.com...th-parrotfish/
5. I understand a breakwater was discussed and rejected, but how about artificial reefs? I have seen these in Grand Cayman and they do tend to draw in the fish and keep the beaches in better shape.
http://www.reefball.org/album/cayman...augtupdate.pdf
Here you can see what they look like > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooNytfHah9U

Regards,
Moose

I completely agree with the trash situation, it is one thing that erks me when we are there and gives the Jamaican ppl a bad image and yes I also agree about the cats and dogs, although I have seen some that were being well taken care , most are on their own. They are always friendly tho which they need to be to survive and I know tourist should not feed them but I'm a sucker myself when I see their eyes

Jamaica Campaign against the litter....

http://jis.gov.jm/anti-litter-law-strengthened/

Not sure if this is even possible but a walking path/sidewalk on the cliff road. The one they built on the beach road is really nice

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slightly Stoopid

4 words -

Reggae Hall Of Fame

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great idea

Agree with everyone else about trash and vendors. My late husband and I stopped going to 7 mile beach because of the vendors, once he learned who the "designated guy" was at each hotel (and there always seems to be one). We'd have our wrists grabbed and reggae bracelets tied on them, then money demanded. This is a hold-up, not a vendor. This MUST be enforced. It is no longer "local charm." And we went to Negril 13 times.

I would like to see government subsidies and education for hoteliers to bring their properties up to minimal 1st world standards. This doesn't mean everything has to be lavish. It does mean air conditioning (mini-splits make this easier), clean rooms, towels in decent condition, adequate hot water and water pressure, keeping bathrooms in good repair and eliminating mildew in bathrooms as much as possible. We used to go to T-Water in the early 1990s and that is my idea of the perfect hotel -- friendly staff, good food, clean comfortable rooms -- at a good price. I know it's hard keeping up a hotel in the tropics. But with Cuba about to become serious competition, Negril has to decide what it is and find a balance between the boho vibe of yesteryear and what today's consumers want. All I can do is tell you what would bring me back to Negril, even alone now...because Negril always healed my soul. A week of sitting under a tree, looking at the water, drinking Ting and Dirty Bananas, eating ackee and saltfish with dumpling for breakfast and grilled snapper with cabbage and rice and peas, sleeping in a cool, comfortable room with the sound of the tree frogs outside my door, a pool for when I get too many jellyfish stings, the soft Caribbean water, and sunset at the end of the day...I would go narcoleptic...go to sleep at the drop of a hat, because I always arrived in Negril exhausted and always came home healed.

I want to be able to take a beach walk alone without being hassled by rentas seeing a 61-year-old overweight woman and thinking dollar signs or vendors seeing vulnerability. I want to be able to sit at a bar and have a drink and chat with friendly locals and tourists without worrying about having something slipped into my drink. I know I am not "yardie." I know I'm a tourist, and I treat people well when I'm there. All I ask is that I not be taken advantage of.

There's a lot that the government could do to help business owners on all these fronts.

I welcome the law enforcement presence that I saw on the beach last month. The hassle was nearly non-existent and vibe was great.

I've only been to Negril once, and we will be making our second trip in less than 3 weeks. As a relative newcomer, I don't have a lot to offer, though I can say that I agree with all points made in this thread so far... Great ideas as far as litter, vendors, safety, Reggae Hall of Fame (Yes!). I loved Negril so much that as soon as we got home this past February, I was online booking flights and making reservations to come back for my birthday in October. There is so much good about the island, but I can say that I was disappointed in how much litter there was- Jamaica is such a beautiful place, it's a shame that there's so much trash laying around. The vendors weren't bad when we were there in February, but I've heard tales of people who weren't so lucky. I read the news, I'm worried about safety especially at night, but even in the daytime. I have noticed that when I tell people we are coming to Jamaica, they are either in awe because they've never been there, or they tell us to be sure and not leave the hotel grounds because it's not *safe* to do so. Well, we do not stay at all-inclusive's, and we certainly did not stay on the hotel grounds last visit and don't intend to stay on the grounds this visit either, but we do make a conscious effort to be smart about where we go and what we do. I expect to have to be vigilant and aware of my surroundings when in big cities, but with the vibe and the relatively small size of the island, I would think that it would be a lot more carefree in Jamaica than it is.

I'll see if I don't come up with any better ideas after our trip next month.

Oh yeah... Sidewalks!!! We love to get out and explore on foot. Some sort of a pedestrian lane if not a full fledged sidewalk along the cliffs side of town would be fabulous! You really have to take your life in your hands sometimes on that roadway- I don't know how they could make the roadway any wider or add a sidewalk, but it would be great if they could/would.

Hey Rob I know we talked about this before. To help protect the fish on the reefs, they should have an organized Lion Fish Hunt and fish fry. Educate on how to safely handle, clean and prepare these fish to eat. They do taste very good and there are way too many of these invasive fish. I think it would be a lot of fun and help save the other reef fish.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Toban

Hey Rob I know we talked about this before. To help protect the fish on the reefs, they should have an organized Lion Fish Hunt and fish fry. Educate on how to safely handle, clean and prepare these fish to eat. They do taste very good and there are way too many of these invasive fish. I think it would be a lot of fun and help save the other reef fish.

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Yeah, This, so much this, especially to protect the young of other fish which is what the lionfish eat. They can lay up to 2 million eggs a year, so they are a problem! And especially moreso if they are tasty. I have them on my list to try next reach, most likely in garlic sauce. :cool:

~Moose

West End road made into a one way road, with sidewalk and streetlights. A return loop would have to be built, maybe not easy or cheap, but in the long run the best thing to do.
Regarding the trash situation, a deposit should be charged on every beverage container. The deposit should be high enough that someone will pick up any littered containers for some cash. This would also reduce the horrible practice of burning of plastic. Absolutely the right thing to do, na tru?

Some way to thin out the BS hustlers. The guys/ladies walking the beach selling actual goods (art, music, fruit, cakes, juices, etc) are fine and always welcome; but the guys with bracelets, begging beers and begging money can become trying. Also getting a handle on the sex trade would be great. As a frequent solo traveler, I don't want to be propositioned every 500 yards by girls and their aggressive pimps. Trust me, anyone looking for that can easily find it without being harassed. Somehow it's unbelievable for many of them to understand that a single guy there isn't interested in a date for the night.

Sorry, it is not my intent to make this a *****ing post. Just what would make it more enjoyable for me.

OK...my turn....My wife and I having been going to Negril for about (15) years, so we are familiar with the runnings, and our very favorite thing to do is late, just before sunset, drag our chairs to the waters edge, drink a cold Red Stripe, watch the sunset and listen to the waves...but...nearly every time we do that, we are approached numerous times to buy something or shake hands, etc. and when I refuse to buy or "be their friend", we have been cursed (F-bombs) and verbily insulted... so if the Authorities could find a way to cut down on "illegal" vendors...........

All great suggestions so far. How about slowing the traffic down. The speed at which many drive is just plain dangerous...........for pedestrians and other vehicles. The wife and I are looking forward to our 10th trip this coming February.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

Yeah, This, so much this, especially to protect the young of other fish which is what the lionfish eat. They can lay up to 2 million eggs a year, so they are a problem! And especially moreso if they are tasty. I have them on my list to try next reach, most likely in garlic sauce. :cool:

~Moose

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You do know that Quality makes delicious lionfish? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Homebrewer

You do know that Quality makes delicious lionfish? :)

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I have heard this! ;) Any particular way better than others? Or I'll go with the old standby of garlic.

~Moose

Cleanup is key - gullies, standing water in anything breeds evil mosquitos and they transfer dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses. Even if they don't spread the disease, the itching is maddening.

Right on Moose with the lionfish - I don't spear (I would love to but don't have the gear) but when snorkeling, I make sure to point out the lionfish locations to locals with spears - everyone seems keen to grab these monsters. They are very tasty, had them at the Westender, Cliffhanger (on the East Coast) and a couple other spots. Ask for them if you don;t see them on the menu!

lol
lol
lol
lol

'tis almost October, na tru

the current Minister stirring the pot
to pump-up the 'volume' [i.e., tourist]
for high-season ::::: same play-book ...same script :::: used by previous Ministers, every since i've been going down-yonder der

lol
lol
lol



opps.!!
my bad

you-all chat on

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smith744

lol
lol
lol
lol

'tis almost October, na tru

the current Minister stirring the pot
to pump-up the 'volume' [i.e., tourist]
for high-season ::::: same play-book ...same script :::: used by previous Ministers, every since i've been going down-yonder der

lol
lol
lol



opps.!!
my bad

you-all chat on

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WHAT?

Moose,
Garlic makes EVERYTHING better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by booger

WHAT?

Moose,
Garlic makes EVERYTHING better.

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Just like bacon! ;) with one exception... I don't like mushrooms, not even bacon wrapped and slathered in garlic.

~Moose

This is mi wish list for mostly the West End/Cliffs(some already mentioned in the thread)

1) West End/Cliffs Public Park with water access on the Cliffs(with Gift Shops)
2) Trolley/Bus for the West End Road and Beach Road for tourist/locals(transportation)
3) Sidewalks with street lights and bicycle lanes for West End Road(safety)
4) Road Bypass for the West End Road and make West End Road one way(safety/long overdue)
5) Police Annex for the West End(safety)
6) Regular walking police patrols(safety)
7) Helmets for anything with 2 wheels(safety)
8) Neighborhood Crime Watch program(safety)
9) Jobs program for locals (doesn’t have to be tourist orientated)
10) Detain the local hagglers/loiters selling drugs etc. hassling tourist(law/illegal)
11) Impound the gypsy taxis/non red plate taxis and bike taxis(law/illegal)
12) Ban motorcycles from the West End Road(safety)

Mi be happy with 2 out of the dozen suggestions......

Cool Runnings, Marko

My wish is aimed at the Jamaican government as a whole, not just for the tourism minister.

Jamaica needs to focus on education, initiatives in technology and the encouragement of entrepreneurship to help research and start up unique micro industries and services that can supply the international market with Jamaica specific brands.

Jamaica actually needs to become MUCH less dependent on tourism and reclaim some of the island's beachfront property for its own citizens to access.

Right on halfwaytree! My local grocer carries Walkerswood products (mostly spices and sauces) along with a couple other Jamaican imports - even canned ackee and callaloo (the ackee isn't bad, haven't opened the callaloo yet). I would love to see a better coffee selection and things like honey and jams...