In an era of increasing worldwide violence against tourists, safety, security, and risk abatement are becoming principal components in travelers' decision-making processes. This work examines the issue of perceived risk and safety and what impact these perceptions have on shopping behavior. The research takes place in Jamaica, a country with a reputation for aggressive vendors. Findings indicate that those visitors who traveled with others spent more time shopping and purchased more. Additionally, it was found that first time visitors express higher levels of discomfort with their surroundings than did repeat visitors, thus inhibiting purchase behavior. Finally, it was found that levels of perceived risk and security did have an impact on a traveler's intention to return to Jamaica.
Business Profile: This segment will feature some Presidential award winning companies owned and or operated by Caribbean nationals, and a look at major industries such as Petroleum, Citrus, and Coffee in some Caribbean nations. Producer/Director Joseph Dunn says, "The purpose of the series is to increase the public awareness and appreciation of the region, and its people". Dunn also adds, "it is our hope that through the broadcasting of these programs he viewer will learn more about the vast resources the Caribbean has to offer in the development of the Western Hemisphere and to change the stereotypical images some people have about the region and its people." Mr. Dunn has also produced two very successful series in the past also dealing with the Caribbean namely, "Jamaica in Focus" and "Caribbean Affair" along with numerous specials dealing with Pan-African and local issues for the Dade County Cable Television Access Project Cable TAP which is the cable division of WLRN-TV. One of these series has been nominated for a national cable programming award, The Home Town USA Video Festival in 1990.
