Section B — Changing Economic WorldLIC/NEECaribbeanPaper 2
Jamaica — Tourism & Development
30% of GDP from tourism · 2.12 million visitors (2015) · 200,000 direct jobs · closing the development gap.
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30%
GDP from tourism
2.12m
Visitors (2015)
200,000
Direct jobs
US$3bn
Revenue/year
Key facts — from Seaford 2025–27 case study notes
Background
Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean, south of Cuba, population ~2.9 million
LIC/NEE economy historically reliant on agriculture (sugar, bananas, coffee)
Tropical climate, beaches, mountains and coral reefs attract international tourists
Tourism contributes 30% of GDP (~US$3 billion/year)
How tourism reduces the development gap
Economy: US$3bn/year from tourism · attracts foreign investment · boosts local businesses (restaurants, transport, crafts)
Employment: ~200,000 direct jobs · many indirect jobs · skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled opportunities
Infrastructure: Investment in roads, airports, hotels improves infrastructure for local people too
Tax revenue: Government earns tax from tourism industry · funds public services
Limitations of tourism-led development
Leakage: Much profit leaves Jamaica through foreign-owned hotel chains and tour operators
Seasonal: Tourism is seasonal — jobs insecure out of peak season
Environmental damage: Coral reef damage, water pollution, overdevelopment of coastlines
Dependency: Over-reliance on one industry makes Jamaica vulnerable to global events (e.g. pandemics, recessions)
Exam questions — 3 questions · 9 marks
⚡ Geography exam tip: Always use named examples with specific data. "An earthquake in Nepal" scores fewer marks than "The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.9, 9,000 deaths)." Learn the statistics on this page.
1 markGDP contribution
How much of Jamaica's GDP does tourism contribute?
A About 5%
B About 15%
C About 30%
D About 60%
4 marksTourism reducing development gap
Explain how tourism has helped to reduce the development gap in Jamaica. (4 marks)
Hint: Focus on economic benefits — income, jobs, infrastructure, tax revenue. Use specific statistics.
+40 XP
3 marksLimitations of tourism
Explain why tourism alone may not be sufficient to close the development gap in Jamaica. (3 marks)
Hint: Give reasons why tourism has limitations. Leakage, seasonality, dependency, environmental damage are all valid points.