Are Touts on the Rise?

Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa in St Thomas faces a growing issue with aggressive informal guides, known as touts, who threaten the establishment’s reputation and visitor experience. In its 2021-22 annual report, the hotel’s former chairman, Michael McLeod, highlighted how the pandemic exacerbated this long-standing problem, with touts misleading potential guests and diverting them to unregulated alternatives. The situation remains unresolved, raising concerns about the impact on both the hotel and tourism in the region.

Last updated: 25 January 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa is currently grappling with an increasing number of informal guides, or touts, who have become more aggressive. This trend has been accelerating since the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports indicating that the number of touts has surged to around 120. These individuals not only mislead potential visitors about the hotel's services but also promote unregulated alternatives, posing significant risks to both the hotel’s reputation and the safety of visitors.

Key takeaways

• The number of informal touts around Bath Fountain has reportedly increased, reaching around 120 by late 2021.
• These touts mislead potential guests about the hotel’s offerings, claiming that its mineral springs are reheated or that facilities are closed.
• The presence of touts is contributing to a decline in the hotel’s reputation and visitor experience.

Timeline: how we got here

The issues surrounding informal guides at Bath Fountain have been persistent for over a decade. Below is a brief timeline highlighting significant events:

• 2011: Initial complaints from visitors about informal guides begin to surface.
• 2020-2021: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to increased aggression from touts, coinciding with lockdowns.
• December 2021: The number of touts reportedly reaches upwards of 120.
• January 2026: Continued reports indicate that the issue remains unresolved, impacting the hotel’s operations.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent observations show that informal guides at Bath Fountain are operating with increased boldness, even entering the hotel premises to redirect guests. This has prompted renewed calls for action from hotel management.

What was already established

The problem of informal guides at Bath Fountain is not new; it has persisted for over a decade, with various authorities previously promising to implement measures to address the situation. However, effective action has yet to be seen.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The aggressive tactics of informal guides not only threaten the reputation of Bath Fountain but also deter visitors, leading to potential losses in revenue for the local economy. Tourists may be misled about the quality and safety of available services, affecting their overall experience.

Businesses and jobs

For the Bath Fountain Hotel, the presence of touts presents ongoing operational challenges. The hotel’s management has indicated that complaints regarding overcharging and safety incidents involving informal guides are becoming increasingly common, which could lead to a decline in patronage and revenue.

Policy and regulation

The Ministry of Tourism has been made aware of the issues surrounding informal guides. However, no substantial measures have been taken to regulate their activities, which continues to undermine the hotel’s efforts to provide a safe and authentic experience for its guests.

Numbers that matter

• 120: The number of informal touts reportedly active around Bath Fountain as of December 2021.
• 10+ years: The duration for which the problem of informal guides has persisted.
• £40 million: The estimated value of donations made by the Portmore Islamic Centre for Hurricane Melissa relief, highlighting the potential for community support in addressing local issues.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Touts: Informal guides who usually operate without official recognition, often misleading tourists.
• COVID-19 compliance: Measures taken to ensure safety and health standards during the pandemic.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Immediate actions should include increasing awareness among visitors about the risks posed by informal guides. Hotel management may also need to strengthen their communication efforts to reassure potential guests about the authenticity and safety of their offerings.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term strategies could involve collaborating with local authorities to develop formal regulations for tour guides and ensure compliance. This may also require community engagement to promote official tours and protect the reputation of established venues like Bath Fountain.

Signals to watch

• Changes in visitor feedback regarding experiences at Bath Fountain.
• Any announcements from the Ministry of Tourism regarding new regulations or initiatives targeting informal guides.
• Community responses to the hotel’s efforts to combat the issue of touts.

Practical guidance

Do

• Research the hotel and its services before visiting to ensure an authentic experience.
• Report any aggressive touting behaviour to hotel management or local authorities.
• Engage with official tours and services to support regulated tourism.

Don’t

• Do not engage with informal guides offering services at Bath Fountain.
• Do not rely on misleading information provided by touts about the hotel’s offerings.
• Do not ignore safety concerns related to unregulated services.

Checklist

• Confirm hotel details and available services before arrival.
• Identify official guides or services in advance.
• Stay informed about local regulations regarding tourism.
• Share your experiences with other potential visitors to help raise awareness.
• Report any questionable practices to ensure visitor safety.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing issue of informal guides is subject to various uncertainties, including potential changes in tourism regulations or visitor behaviour. The effectiveness of any new measures to combat this problem is yet to be determined. Additionally, the reliance on informal guides poses risks to both visitors and the hotel, as there is no accountability for safety or pricing.

Bottom line

The situation at Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa highlights a critical challenge facing the tourism sector in Jamaica. Without effective measures to regulate informal guides, the hotel's reputation and the overall visitor experience remain at risk. It is essential for both the hotel and local authorities to take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of this iconic attraction.

FAQs

What are informal guides or touts at Bath Fountain?

Informal guides, commonly referred to as touts, are individuals who operate without official recognition, often misleading tourists about the services available at Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Bath Fountain?

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of informal guides, leading to an increase in their numbers and aggressive behaviour, which has negatively impacted the hotel's reputation and visitor experience.

What should visitors do if approached by a tout?

Visitors are advised not to engage with informal guides and to report any aggressive behaviour to hotel management or local authorities to ensure a safe and authentic experience.