BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN JAMAICA

Abstract

Many destinations have recognized the importance of implementing sustainable tourism development. However, for many developing countries worldwide, economic, social, and physical challenges pose great hindrances to sustainable development. The aim of this article is to investigate and evaluate the difficulties of implementing sustainable tourism development practices in Jamaica. The primary research is based on qualitative analysis to find out the obstacles regarding the implementation of sustainable tourism development, based on three themes, namely financial constraints, social instability, and lack of coordinated tourism planning. The overall results revealed that, in terms of sustainable practices, there are several initiatives being implemented by both public and private sectors, but they lack management, cohesiveness, and in some cases, collaboration. Also, if sustainability is to be achieved in a developing country, it will require effective financial management of all industries and a serious concentration on social sustainability.