The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) is urging tourism operators and visitors to avoid illegal bamboo rafting and other unregulated watersport activities being offered under the bridge at White River in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

The advisory forms part of TPDCo’s ongoing efforts to protect visitors, maintain high standards across the tourism industry, and safeguard Jamaica’s reputation as a premier tourism destination. TPDCo has become aware that some contract carriage and domestic tour operators continue to transport guests to the unauthorised rafting location. The company notes that the site operates outside established tourism regulations and presents serious safety and security concerns for visitors.

Reports of physical altercations among illegal operators, along with other unregulated activities taking place at the location, have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of guests and tourism workers. TPDCo says these activities also have the potential to negatively impact Jamaica’s tourism product and visitor experience.

Executive Director of TPDCo, Wade Mars, asserted that “safety and security remain at the heart of Jamaica’s tourism industry. Visitors should be able to enjoy authentic Jamaican experiences in environments where proper standards, protocols and safeguards are in place.”

As a result, TPDCo is directing all contract carriage and domestic tour operators, as well as their drivers, to immediately stop transporting visitors to the illegal rafting site. The public body which falls under the Ministry of Tourism warns that failure to comply may result in the revocation of licences and other enforcement measures where evidence of non-compliance exists.

The company is also appealing directly to visitors to make informed choices when booking tours and recreational activities. Tourists are encouraged to use only licensed and approved attractions and operators and to ask questions about the legitimacy of any activity before participating. Choosing regulated tourism experiences helps to protect visitors’ safety while supporting responsible tourism practices across Jamaica.

TPDCo further encourages members of the public and the tourism industry to support efforts to preserve the quality, integrity and safety of Jamaica’s tourism product by avoiding illegal and unregulated activities.