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Is Jamaica Friendly To Tourists on and off the resort

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places_to_visit_in_jamaica_tourist_jellyman_turner_taxiIs Jamaica friendly to tourists? | Jelly Man Turner Taxi

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Is Jamaica friendly to tourists? While visitors enjoy the beaches, food and culture, interpersonal relationships are also one of the reasons people flock to Jamaica yearly.

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Is Jamaica friendly to tourists?

I think it was back in the late 80s into the early 90s when the Jamaican government began to educate the population about how to treat tourists. This public education drive repeated the mantra, “Don't harass the tourist.”

Back then, it was common for Jamaicans to be overly-pushy in encouraging tourists to purchase whatever they were trading in. This turned off a lot of our visitors.

Don't get me wrong, Jamaicans’ warm hospitality is well documented. In fact, very many tourists look forward to experiencing the Jamaican warmth just as much as they anticipate swimming in the pristine, azure beaches or their first sip of an ice-cold beer.

Those days are in a seemingly distant era, But back then, we were learning how to temper our natural enthusiasm for making a living with our friendly nature.

It may seem a not-so-new point, but, Jamaicans are some of the friendliest people. Many tourists often rave about their experience with the people they’ve met on vacation, who often become lifetime friends.

It isn’t odd to see TripAdvisor or Booking posts with persons who have visited the island, calling out the housekeepers, bar, watersports or entertainment staff by name and thanking them profusely for being a part of their vacation in a positive way.

On the other hand, Jamaicans are known to be loud and aggressive, but two things can be true at the same time. To be truthful, it can get loud especially when we are passionate or excited about something (especially sports) but we are also warm, friendly and giving people.

Jamaicans are big on respect, so as long as you approach them with that in mind, you will most likely get the help you need. Many people often mistake this as an act but Jamaicans are taught from an early age to be hospitable and to lend a hand wherever it is needed.

Also, Jamaicans though very confident, aren’t ones to express feelings past “me feel a way” so, the way we express appreciation or any form of affection is through acts of service.

It just so happens that the tourism industry provides countless opportunities for that. Manners, consideration and care for others are drilled into Jamaican children almost from birth and this is one reason that may cause others to find that Jamaicans are a friendly set.

One of the things we have consistently done is to train anyone who has a business or activity which caters to tourists. The training, known as Team Jamaica, is accompanied by certification. This has gone far in reducing misplaced enthusiasm while simultaneously enhancing the visitors’ experience.

As a visitor, you may have loads of natural curiosity about things like dress. Rastafarians for example experience this a lot. It might also be uncommon where you are from for children to wear uniforms to school.

These things may cause you to stare. In this case, you may seize the opportunity to ask polite questions Jamaicans are less likely to be polite when they are stared at.

Jamaicans like to be included and they love to include others. So if you want to learn one of the trending local dances we are willing to show you. Many Jamaicans are quite happy to indulge a visitor who requests a photograph.

Are Jamaicans Friendly off the Resort?

Well, some visitors believe the people at the resort are kind to them because they have to and will sometimes be apprehensive about venturing off the property. There is no need to worry about this, however, and you can confidently travel the island without worrying too much about someone being unkind to them.

A typical Jamaican doesn't miss the chance to be cast in the spotlight and will very very likely relish the chance to relate with a visitor or too.

Is Jamaica safe for female tourists?

Yes, Jamaica is safe for female tourists. While the crime and violence rate is relatively high, these activities are hardly pointed towards tourists on the island. It is usually focused on areas that are struggling with gang violence. It is unlikely that tourists will visit any of these areas.

Female tourists can be seen moving over well-traversed resort areas such as Montego Bay doing their own shopping in supermarkets, and convenience stores and enjoying the fare at popular eateries. It is common to see our visitors in some other areas of the country.
The other thing we can also say here is the tourists - male or female, need to give the same level of caution and alertness that should be shown in any place they visit.

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References & Sources For Is Jamaica Friendly To Tourists?

  1. Is Jamaica friendly to tourists? - quora (no date). Available at: https://www.quora.com/Is-Jamaica-friendly-to-tourists (Accessed: November 30, 2022).
  2. People (no date) placeholder. Available at: https://www.visitjamaica.com/feel-the-vibe/people/ (Accessed: November 30, 2022).

Is Jamaica Friendly To Tourists? | Written: November 30, 2022

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