Global Tourism Resilience Day
International Efforts to Enhance Sustainability and Resilience in the Tourism Industry
HANOVER, Jamaica – Jamaica proudly commemorated the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in the evolving tourism landscape. As a key highlight of the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference, the day emphasized reflection, renewal, and future-proofing the industry against disruptions and shocks.
The Conference
Held at the Princess Grand in Hanover from February 17-19, the three-day conference convened industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore strategies for enhancing tourism resilience. On the final day of the conference, participants were treated to various destination excursions to give them a taste of Jamaica’s tourism offerings at one of the many adventure parks, Jamwest.
Minister of Tourism’s Remarks
"As we observe Global Tourism Resilience Day for another year, we are reminded of the importance of raising awareness about building resilience across our sectors and creating spaces for dialogue and transformative action," said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.
The Importance of Tourism
"Tourism is not merely about leisure or sightseeing," he continued. "It is the lifeblood of many economies, a catalyst for world development, and a critical pillar in the architecture of global growth. For developing countries in particular, tourism represents a path to empowerment, job creation, poverty alleviation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It fosters cross-cultural exchange, promotes tolerance, and deepens our shared sense of humanity. We must future-proof it."
Building Tourism Resilience through Digital Transformation
Under the theme "Building Tourism Resilience through Digital Transformation", the conference reinforced the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring the industry’s long-term vitality. Through collaborative dialogue and shared best practices, Jamaica reaffirmed its position as a thought leader in global tourism resilience, setting the stage for continued innovation and sustainable growth.
Panel Discussions and Keynote Speeches
Some of the insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches from renowned experts, included Mr. David Tepper, Co-Founder at Pay-I Inc., and Dr. Luz Longsworth, Sandals International Senior Corporate Director, Sandals Corporate University, who discussed "The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Tourism." Participants also shared best practices and discussed actionable solutions to enhance sustainability.
Conclusion
The 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference and commemoration of Global Tourism Resilience Day has reaffirmed Jamaica’s thought leadership and the industry’s commitment to sustainability, setting the stage for continued collaboration and innovation. As the global tourism landscape evolves, the conference underscored the importance of resilience and sustainability in shaping the future of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Global Tourism Resilience Day?
- Global Tourism Resilience Day is an international event that aims to raise awareness about building resilience across various sectors and create spaces for dialogue and transformative action.
- What is the theme of the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference?
- The theme is "Building Tourism Resilience through Digital Transformation".
- What are some of the key takeaways from the conference?
- Some of the key takeaways include the importance of sustainable practices, digital transformation, and future-proofing the industry against disruptions and shocks.
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