FCCA FOUNDATION
2014 CHILDREN’S ESSAY CONTEST
‘Why Is It Important That Cruise Ships Come To My Destination?’
Since its inception, in 1884, the cruise industry has become very influential
in global economy. Approximately half of the Caribbean's two million annual
cruise travelers visit Jamaica due to our country’s beauty and wonderful culture.
Overall, each year thousands of tourists come to Jamaica as their destination of
choice. But, what makes Jamaica such an attractive destination and why is it
important that cruise ships come to Jamaica?
Jamaica has a vibrant culture and this attracts many tourists from around the
world. Our culture is also very diverse and our motto, “Out of Many, One People,”
speaks volumes to this. Our population comprises of many ethnicities who all
contribute to a culture of: tradition, traditional cuisine, folklore, religion (including
the Rastafarian movement), entertainment (such as the Reggae Sumfest and
others), theatre, film, sports, folk and contemporary dance, music and art (as
showcased through the Festival of Arts and others) and our trademark Jamaican
dialect patois. Most Jamaicans are congenial as our culture emanates a vivacity
central to Jamaicans. So, in effect, it is not odd to see or hear of a tourist ‘jamming’
to a Reggae Beat or trying to speak patois as we do.Surely, it is apparent that our
culture is a critical factor behind Jamaica’s desirability as a destination.
White sand beaches, a beautiful and scenic landscape, indigenous flora and
fauna, luxurious hotels and accommodations, delectable local cuisine, and our
Reggae music all contribute the the wonderful experience that is Jamaica. Now, our
tourism product is holistic and it also encompasses: a kaleidoscope of attractions
(such as Dunn’s River Falls), recreational activities such as rafting, entertainment
as in Reggae Sunsplash, a network of support services and world-class,
experienced personnel. With our world class tourism product it is no wonder
Jamaica was voted the Caribbean’s Leading destination at the World Travel
Organization (WTO) World Travel Awards. Hence, our tourism product is another
factor that affects Jamaica's desirability as a destination.
Tourism is considered to be Jamaica’s second most important earner of
foreign exchange. Now, the cruise ship industry is growing rapidly and it is
becoming a vital component of regional and international tourism. By coming to
Jamaica, cruise ships provide our country with a source of revenue and it helps us
to earn foreign exchange. Also, jobs are created as workers are needed to work at
docking facilities and interact with the tourists. Furthermore, the revenue generated
is used to help in the payment of national debt. In addition, it improves our tourism
product as in order to accommodate these cruise ships the infrastructure of cruise
ship terminals and other relevant facilities must be maintained and improved upon.
So, in summary, it is important for cruise ships to come to my destination as our
country will benefit greatly from revenue earned.
Jamaica is a choice destination because of our diverse culture and
world-class tourism product. In conclusion cruise ships should come to Jamaica as
we have the docking facilities to accommodate their ships and the e
exude