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.Originally Posted by Chris B
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
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...
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.
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!
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.
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
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
Posting Permissions
