We caught up with Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director UK/Northern Europe, Jamaica Tourist Board about why more and more people are opting for an eco-friendly holiday over the more traditional choices.
Stush in the Bush in Jamaica
What constitutes as an ethical or eco-friendly break? What might people expect from this type of getaway?
Eco-friendly holidays involve travellers participating in experiences that leave a small carbon footprint, to the benefit of local communities and environments. Travellers can expect an immersive holiday and also enjoy hidden gems off the beaten track. It's a great way to give back to a community and also embrace a new culture.
Why are more and more people looking for ethical and eco-friendly holidays?
There has been a growing appetite for these holidays. Many travellers want to go beyond just seeing the local sights and soaking up the sunshine and are more environmentally conscious than ever. They want a more authentic holiday experience and want to get under the skin of a destination.
Why is Jamaica such a good destination to target for this type of vacation?
While Jamaica might be best known for its idyllic beaches and amazing cuisine, it is so much more than that. Visitors can get involved in a wide number of nature and culture based activities. Jamaica's outstanding beauty and ecological and cultural diversity offer visitors to the island a unique experience. For example, visitors to the island can learn how to cook from the locals, go birdwatching, swim in caves in a rainforest and much more.
How can this type of holiday benefit the individual? Is it still restful despite getting involved and doing some physical activity?
Eco-friendly holidays offer travellers the opportunity to meet the people and appreciate what life on the island is like - providing them with an extremely rewarding and authentic holiday experience. They can truly integrate into the local neighbourhoods and develop relationships with residents. Jamaica is the fastest-slowest country in the world and visitors can partake in eco-friendly experiences at their own pace.
What does Jamaica have to offer that other countries don't other than eco-friendly experiences?
Music and food! Jamaica invented Reggae music. We are the home of Bob Marley and Jamaica offers many opportunities for visitors to dance and relax to our music. They can visit the Bob Marley Museum to learn more about the legendary superstar or party at the greatest Reggae Show on Earth, 'Reggae Sumfest,' where some of the most talented acts in the industry perform for three themed nights to thousands of music fans. We even have a Reggae Marathon every December! Additionally, our food is outstanding. Jerk Chicken comes from Jamaica and we have such a diverse range of incredible, mouth-watering food from fresh seafood to yam soufflés to bread fruit tacos.
How do people feel once they have experienced this type of holiday? Do they want to do it again?
Travellers who partake in eco-friendly experiences love these holidays and feel more rejuvenated when they connect with nature. There is nothing quite like living like a local and experiencing the culture first-hand and truly getting back to nature. They enjoy it so much that they are going back to Jamaica to experience it again!
What is the most popular of all the eco-friendly experiences?
One way to go green in Jamaica is to book lodgings at an eco-friendly resort such as Hotel Mocking Bird Hill in Port Antonio. Eco-friendly does not have to mean roughing it in Jamaica and this beautiful hotel is set in a stunning birding and hiking surrounding.