USING A KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT MODEL AS A FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SMALL-SCALE ECOTOURISM ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN JAMAICA

Abstract

The Caribbean island of Jamaica relies heavily upon tourism to support its economy. Despite the influx of significant tourism revenue, large numbers of Jamaica's indigenous people still face substantial economic hardships. This paper examines the potential for Jamaica to expand small-scale ecotourism entrepreneurship in order to improve the economic situation of larger numbers of its people. This analysis is conducted within a knowledge management framework, with particular emphasis placed upon the involvement of a wide array of stakeholders. The overall premise is that successful small-scale ecotourism entrepreneurship will rely on Jamaica's effective use of both its natural surroundings and its knowledge base as key assets.