usvi-on-line
Island Newbies
Island Newbies
So, I have been thinking a lot lately about the mention in posts of so many people discovering the secret of St John. I am somewhat of a newbie to St John (sorry, I am one more person on those beaches) I only fell in love two years ago. I understand the frustration felt when things get over crowded and/or destroyed (I'm just thinking of what Toll Bros are doing to all the farmland around here). What would you think of a daily limit of people to the island? Those that have booked villas ok, those that live/work there ok and then the rest have to get a pass. I know they do this for some ski resorts (Deer Valley, UT) and other exclusive places to "keep it nice" and it really does give a different feeling. Would businesses go for that?
I was also thinking that there was probably many people who picked the USVI's because they were too late in getting a passport. Maybe by next year things will calm down.
I was also thinking that there was probably many people who picked the USVI's because they were too late in getting a passport. Maybe by next year things will calm down.
When will I see St John again?
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
I truly think that limiting the amount of people on island would only hurt the island. Tourists do not hurt the island; greedy developers hurt the island.
All tourist generated economies will always face issus but the real challenge is to keep your "customer" happy while keeping your "service industry" happy.
Keep the tourists coming, they will limit themselves if you limit development. They will only come if there is room for them.
Just my opinion.
All tourist generated economies will always face issus but the real challenge is to keep your "customer" happy while keeping your "service industry" happy.
Keep the tourists coming, they will limit themselves if you limit development. They will only come if there is room for them.
Just my opinion.
I agree about developers but I was also thinking about the cruise ship and boat traffic as well. Is it correct that super yachts will be able to dock in St John? Eventually, the building will stop when they run out of room and that will limit the number of folks that can stay on island. I don't think businesses would like it if the number of people were limited. It is an idea though.I wonder too about the crime (not that there is much) and the relationship to ease of access from other surrounding islands. I don't know, just thinking it could end up very crowded with more people who will park on the beach, step on the coral and feel entitled or a limit could make the island all the more desirable and lucrative for all.
When will I see St John again?
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
I lived on island for about 5 years. Tourists paid my bills.
Cruise ship passengers fell in love w/ the island and planned a trip back to the island while they were having lunch and buying a few souvenirs.
Popular tourist locations will have days, weeks, and months will way too many people.....then there will be the days, weeks, and a few months with no one on island.
Cruise ship passengers fell in love w/ the island and planned a trip back to the island while they were having lunch and buying a few souvenirs.
Popular tourist locations will have days, weeks, and months will way too many people.....then there will be the days, weeks, and a few months with no one on island.
I haven't been there in season, only off season and it was really deserted.I understand. We have a slow season in our business too and it stinks but then it gets downright crazy and you wish for a slow week. I have nothing against tourists. I am one! 
I try to do right by those who live there when I visit.
I try to do right by those who live there when I visit.When will I see St John again?
It was really a thought from hearing so many on this forum gripe about crowds. I wasn't one of those griping because we go in off-season and because I don't own the place. The ski resort I mentioned also makes money from tourists only but they limit the number of people per day so that the customers can have a great, uncrowded, pampered experience and they charge a dear price for it but it's worth it.
When will I see St John again?
We also go off season end of June for a couple of weeks to enjoy STJ carnival. Cruz Bay gets very crowded with residents from Puerto Rico and St Croix. Hundreds come over STT. It gets very crowded.
Shall we have restrictions on those folks also?
St John isn't a ski resort. It's 99 pct dependant on tourism, nothing more nothing less. Nothing the matter with crowds you get to meet more people and that's positive.
Sorry for the rant, but everyone wants to keep this a big secret, while I've got friends who depend on a lot of tourism to stay in business.
Shall we have restrictions on those folks also?
St John isn't a ski resort. It's 99 pct dependant on tourism, nothing more nothing less. Nothing the matter with crowds you get to meet more people and that's positive.
Sorry for the rant, but everyone wants to keep this a big secret, while I've got friends who depend on a lot of tourism to stay in business.
Don't be sorry for ranting. Just understand I never said I wanted it to be a secret and I never expressed disdain for those on the beaches. I posted this to see how many who were complaining would like to see something like this. But so far no one is saying. I don't keep St John a secret. When we came back after staying last year, I am sure my friends, family and clients wanted me to shut the hell up about it. Unfortunately I can't convince any of them (family) to go with us this year. They do not know what they are missing.
When will I see St John again?
Perhaps a daily limit to some of the park attractions. The island? Can't be done, not legally or directly. St. John has structural limit to the amount of housing that can be built due to the national park. That's enough to insure the island will maintain its character long-term.
Something to think about, I know I do every time I get the itch to buy some land or a cottage on island - what happens when the air fares to St. Thomas from the mainland increase significantly? In an era of $100+ per barrel oil prices sub-$600 airfares from the East Coast cannot last... My heart wants me to own a place on STJ, my brain says rent.
Cheers, RickG
Something to think about, I know I do every time I get the itch to buy some land or a cottage on island - what happens when the air fares to St. Thomas from the mainland increase significantly? In an era of $100+ per barrel oil prices sub-$600 airfares from the East Coast cannot last... My heart wants me to own a place on STJ, my brain says rent.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
I'm not thrilled about places being overrun by tourists either... but then I'm planning on being one of those tourists!
Those who care about preserving the beauty can do our best to be good guests: conserve water, be careful of the animal and plant life, and teach our kids to be respectful of the island and its people. One thing that's great about this forum is finding tips about local etiquette, water conservation, etc.
Unfortunately, we can't legislate that everyone be a good guest, but maybe we can set an example.
Interesting topic -- thanks for bringing it up!
Those who care about preserving the beauty can do our best to be good guests: conserve water, be careful of the animal and plant life, and teach our kids to be respectful of the island and its people. One thing that's great about this forum is finding tips about local etiquette, water conservation, etc.
Unfortunately, we can't legislate that everyone be a good guest, but maybe we can set an example.
Interesting topic -- thanks for bringing it up!
