This is a good article by Diana McCaulay. It made me stop and think about what kind of visitors we want to come to Jamaica (over which we have little control) and what type of visitors we want to attract to Treasure Beach--over which we have a lot of control if we work together.

http://bit.ly/ekvcKL

And how cool is it that she's been published in the new The Daily news magazine venture.

Congratulations, Diana.

Thanks for sharing that Mrs Kennedy and thanks for telling it as it is Diana.

Our government has initiated the long term goal of sustainable development (See post). That document is a key to bringing us together for such a goal to be achieved.

Many have been on the path for decades, I have not heard that they have been consulted to offer advise on this. They should be the first. The design of visitor accomodations and entertainment should be guided by the visitors themselves and not based on what we think all visitors want and certainly not a path that destroys what makes us special.

When Fiscal Sustainability and Ecological Health function together, we will be on a path that will encourage our wealth and health.

Excellent Article. Thank you Diana.

For me this reminds me how important it is to show a genuine interest in potential guests visiting Jamaica and try to help them as much as possible. This way you can get a feel for who is coming to island and how to help prep the staff as well.

There are more and more people looking to experience non-touristy, off-the-beaten-track style travel. One never knows the type of guests that actually arrive, but hopefully by being honest in answering the numerous questions that are asked it weeds out the more high maintenance, not as conscious traveler that is just looking for the quick-fix, tropical getaway with ALL the bells and whistles.

It truly makes me happy to be in contact with the 1st time visitors, as well as returning ones after their visit and know how much of a wonderful time they had visiting TB. To hear that “everything was better than we expected” or “after many years of going to Jamaica we finally saw the real Jamaica and really enjoyed it”. That is what makes me what to continue to do what I do and try to ensure that attention is paid to guests that visit the place we all obviously love, Treasure Beach.

It never ceases to amaze me when I attend Jamaica Tourist Board meetings and and I hear them discuss "what the tourist wants". In my experience of talking to the tourist of Treasure Beach, quite often what they really want and what the governing entities say they want are two totally different things.

A student writing his dissertation interviewed me the other day and asked me if I had the ear of the Minister of Tourism for 30 minutes what would I tell him. My answer was I would set up time for him to hear from the tourists of Treasure Beach to understand first hand why they are here and what was important to them as I think he would be very surprised.

The interview was held at Smurf's and while he was talking to me a group of guests were there having a great time as Dawn was showing them how to bake her delicious coconut cake. Of course, my timing was perfect as I got to taste the finished product.

I admit I'm reading this article on little sleep but if I'm reading it correctly I'm not surprised. (and please correct me if I misread it). I think Rebecca is right in that what the Tourist Board says a tourist wants and the tourist says they want are probably in many instances two different things. Alot of times people have a perception and no matter what they are told do not hear what is really being said. Having said that, I used to go to Negril many years ago and do not care to now. It has changed and the tourists that go there are a different breed than the ones that go to places like TB.
I don't think they are ALL the party/ganja smoking types but in my travels I've experienced alot of people who even though they are on a barebones type of trip are still surprised that they don't have 4* hotels with spas and plush towels. I have to just shake my head and wonder if they really read what the trip was about.
I think the people that usually go to TB and continue to come back are more the type that are willing to take pros with the cons and make do as well as are happy hanging out with the locals or just taking a stroll and enjoying the local flair. This is why I come back to TB and places like Smurfs is what make TB what it is.

I know what I want as a tourist to JA, and Treasure Beach has it.
So does Port Antonio and the Blue Mountains.
So does rural Jamaica also.
Montego Bay, Negril, and Ochos Rios, and most of the North Coast I can do without !!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Dian, you are great, you said it all.Thanks for standing up for our Country we need more people like you.

I had a similar experience when Portland Sister P and I attended a community tourism workshop in the 80's Rebecca. Sis P had already established an ecotourist destination that had regular and repeat visitors. Our family for one.

There seemed to be minimal interest in her expertise and more concern in telling how to go about the process. By those that had no experience.

"There seemed to be minimal interest in her expertise and more concern in telling how to go about the process. By those that had no experience."

That sentence hits the proverbial nail on the head Turey!

I am sad to say I believe there is far too much influence on the Tourist Board and other Jamaican government agencies by those who have the most to gain from high density building, all inclusives and so forth. I am still sick about what happened to Falmouth. Negril in general has gotten to a point I think is embarrassing. Let's hope Treasure Beach refuses to sell out.

Talking about Falmouth. Where have the artifacts that must have accumulated by the thousands on the sea bottom gone? Covered up? Tek wing? The National Trust will know, right?

Treasure Beach, you are one of the last treasures and will be an inspiration to many when they start to wake up. There are many hoping you all never sell out. Many that will support with more than mout.

Different tourist are looking for different things.
Treasure Beach attracts a lot of people who loved the Negril of old (I was never there till 90's when it was long gone)

I may pass through Ochie or Negril but they are not where I would choose to spend the bulk of my vacation.

I prefer relaxed places like Treasure Beach. Next reach I hope to explore more of Portland, St. Thomas and St. Mary before coming "home" to TB.