I have a strong belief that the destruction that Irma & Maria caused to the eastern Caribbean that Jamaica will see a large influx of tourists over the next 6-9 months. Many will be first time visitors.
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I have a strong belief that the destruction that Irma & Maria caused to the eastern Caribbean that Jamaica will see a large influx of tourists over the next 6-9 months. Many will be first time visitors.
4 short words ..
go a long way
CLEAN UP THE GARBAGE !!
Ok - 4 words & 2 exclamation points
They need to reign in all the guys that drive the bikes so aggressively, on the beach road , and the cliffs. If fact my friend (driver ) who lives there now tells me that there going on the sidewalks as well.
The next several months present a new opportunity for Jamaica to show the world that it should be the island of choice for vacationers
the garbage situation is way better than it was 10+ years ago. It's the aggressive crack head and bike guys that need to go
I talked to a local travel agent. I mentioned that same comment, and she said , "oh yeah....I just had a group that was booked for St. Martin, and they booked Jamaica" I tink it's gonna be busy mon'
Pretty soon I'll be booking the next year while I'm there. Does anyone know if the hotels will do that and if they still want 50% or will they take less if it's a year ahead? I know this year I booked late feb 2018 because I couldn't get anything sooner, and that was in April when I booked. I used to have no problem booking in October for the following feb, times are changing.
Irine, think it all depends on the hotel/resort. We always book the next year during the current stay. We are asked to pay for two room nights which is the same amount we would pay if we booked just a month out. You do need to be comfortable trusting that nothing will change with the property in the upcoming year.
Supply & Demand. But with that said, there is a significant parochialism in beach tourism. I mean, look at us... For many of us, it's "Seven Mile or Bust". It might seem silly, but for me, if the tables were turned, I might take a year off if there was no room inventory in Negril.
Maybe it is because I go to visit Jamaica and not just Negril that it wouldn't bother me if all the rooms were filled. Years ago when Negril had too many tourists for my liking, I started staying in other places around the island and got a similar experience as to what I liked about Negril. Instead of abandoning Jamaica if Negril is not available, consider places like Treasure Beach as an alternative. Even though I have a place in Accompong Town, I will be spending a week in Treasure Beach this winter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris B
I'm sure there will be some increase with a number of islands now being unable to host visitors for the next high season, but there are certainly a lot of folks who believe JA is more dangerous than other islands and would take a year off rather than switch to JA. This is often a false impression, but it is pretty deeply ingrained from what I read. I do suspect the aggressive nature of hustlers lends to this image. Even though very few such folks do engage in crime against tourists, they clearly make many tourists uncomfortable. And uncomfortable can mean 'a little frightened', which can translate to sounding like there is a lot of crime as vacation tales are retold and reinterpreted.
Excellent advice...Quote:
Originally Posted by Accompong
I remember being shocked in 2007 with all the garbage laying on the side of the roads and highways. It was sure an eye opener for me. I honestly thought the sanitation workers were on strike. I agree the garbage situation is much better but could always be improved.Quote:
Originally Posted by saeyedoc
I also agree with the crack head problem. Unfortunately, the Caribbean is a direct route to the US cocaine market and some of it is used as a currency for the local mules who cook it up for the locals. Desperate junkies are willing to do almost anything to support their habit. They can definitely be aggressive. Get a crack head on a motorbike and look out. Prohibition has definitely created this market. As Peter Tosh wisely sad "legalize it". Yup legalize it all. Problems wouldn't disappear but they'd be much more manageable. That's a topic for a different thread and perhaps a different board. :)
Two nights isn't bad. That's less than I pay now when I book six months ahead. Will probably do that if they let me, White Sands. Thanks for responding!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumlover
I returned Sunday from a nearly two week stay and met numerous folks who diverted to Jamaica due to the havoc on the other islands. So I would expect a temporary lift for sure, and I'm guessing this season will be great for Jamaica. My concern is the ability to retain those new travelers for future visits. The feedback was mixed, mainly due to the hustle that they encountered.
One thing that was also new was there were some folks walking the beach with clipboards doing surveys, asking questions about what travelers liked and did not like. Not sure if it was the tourist board or another organization. Business owners would be well served to direct additional efforts towards the negative that chases some folks away. If I owned a business there I would be sure to make sure my staff was prepared to welcome the influx and to do their part to make it a great vacation for the new arrivals. Step up our game to make a good first impression.
I don't know about other folks so I won't speak for them, but if I was allowed to just shop the beach without someone trying to push everything on me I guarantee I would spend more money. My auto response now is a polite "no thank you" and I wish it wasn't that way. I'm sure I pass up a lot of things I might buy just because I don't have the stomach for the hard sell. I know it's their livelihood and I have it better in many ways, blessed for sure, I just wish they would let me shop, for sure I would spend more.
Yup. Every year I go back it gets better, however. But I think it's just because more and more vendors recognize me/us. They really go hard after newbies, which compounds the problem and negative reputation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irine
I watched a local tv talk show here in Grand Rapids, Mich yesterday. They had a travel agent as their guest .... she was pushing Jamaica as an alternative to other Caribbean destinations that had been hurricane damaged. I suspect this will create an up-tic for Negril reservations.
Good point!Quote:
Originally Posted by Irine
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.
I suspect that the big problem with beach vendors is that so many of them are unsanctioned "free agents". No permit, no license... not surprising given the underground nature of what some of them are selling (and folks are buying). Not judging, btw, I'm just stating what might be the root cause, supply and demand, all that; and I am very familiar with the usual good folks. Some of those clip board toting folks are working the same scam you see along the beaches in Florida... claiming to conduct a survey to engage, then changing to condo property sales mode... happened to us a couple of years back.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by halfwaytree
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........!!!!
Jah Cruiser is Directly on TargetQuote:
Originally Posted by Kootenaygirl
Did you post your dates on feb roll call? Please do, lots of boardies around to take you about for good eats and music and drinks too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kootenaygirl
Dean never seems to make it that far down the beach. We've stayed at Country Country next door over a dozen times and have never seen Dean make it that far, he must sell out before then.Quote:
Originally Posted by JahCruiser
Dean's hot box is still well stocked when he gets to Idle Awhile Beach. His hot is really HOT :devilish:
Ozzie's across the street from Tree House has excellent jerk and awesome carrot juice with hint of ginger & lime.
Unfortunate, I would so miss Dean if I didn't catch him on the beach.Quote:
Originally Posted by Homebrewer
I think he has the best jerk pork. Better than the dragon I think.
Well worth it to seek him out if he doesn't happen to make it that far down the beach.
Will look for the February roll call!!!!