Drawing from examples from various parts of the world, this paper examines the human
response to waterfalls in the light of published work on resource development,
particularly their exploitation as destinations and, especially, attractions of different
types for recreation and tourism. The discussion ranges widely in time and space and is
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illustrated with examples from various parts of the world, including North America and
Europe. The island of Jamaica is selected for more detailed examination to demonstrate
the relationships between the theoretical concepts discussed earlier in the paper.
Jamaica is a particularly appropriate choice because, although like most destinations, its
visitors come mainly for reasons other than the attraction of waterfalls, these landscape
features play a very important role in that country=s tourist industry. Moreover, an
examination of the very intensive exploitation of some of Jamaica=s waterfalls and
related environmental problems provides a case study which may be useful to those who
seek to promote sustainable development in many parts of the world, particularly where
tourist destinations and attractions already exist or are planned.