Community Based Tourism in Jamaica

[simzy]

Hi =)
How many people have been to Jamaica and stayed in a Community Tourism resort (sustainable tourism) instead of the typical hotel/beach resort? Do many of them even exist in Jamaica and if so are they any good?

[ECO]

Assuming you mean small off the beaten path and or smaller places without a big internet exposure they are all over the island. The term "community" throws me off though, if you mean a place that hires and support the local economy instead of the Spanish resorts that send the money back home, yes there are 100's if not 1000's of them.

Many of the places on the blog area of this site are smaller places that might fit your needs. In another month I'll be back in Jamaica staying at 4-5 places that also fall into those guidelines.

So,

1. Are you looking for a place on the beach, off the beach or in the mountains?

2. Are you looking for a nicey nice place or primitive board house type of lodging?

3. Are you willing to be in a place that has no food options than local food?

I could go on and on.....so, what are you looking for?

[simzy]

What I'm looking for really is not your typical sun, sea and sand holiday. When I say community what I mean is that I would to visit a tourist area that has local community involvement where the profits are not repartriated. I am quite suprised that you say there are many because when you search via the internet not many appear are they not very popular then? Im interested in a totally different experience but is this option safe?

[Nanoose]

Well welcome to the Forum – bet you will find this Forum is helpful at finding you the exact kind of Jamaican vacation that you are looking for. Cheers!

[George carlin]

Hello,


Well, Community-based development is a strategy used by tourism planners to mobilize communities into action to participate in broadening the scope of offerings in the industry. The goal is socio-economic empowerment and a value-added experience for local and foreign visitors. This process opens new niches for destination Jamaica, most notably for the nature, culture, and adventure traveler. Hope this information help you.

Thank a lot
Reid Wilson