Tourism Awareness Week 2024: Celebrating "Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love"
Overview
Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, along with its public bodies and industry partners, is gearing up to observe Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024 from September 22-28 under the theme "Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love." This year’s focus aligns with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s global theme for World Tourism Day on September 27, "Tourism and Peace."
Significance of the Week
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, emphasized the significance of the week, highlighting the profound impact of tourism beyond just its economic benefits. "Tourism is not just an economic driver for Jamaica, but a bridge between cultures. It creates an intercultural dialogue that breaks down barriers and promotes understanding," said Minister Bartlett. "The theme ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ encapsulates the essence of Jamaica—a vibrant blend of cultures that unites both locals and visitors in a shared love for humanity."
A Week of Activities
The week’s activities will kick off with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Family Church on the Rock in Montego Bay on Sunday, September 22. A series of events will follow, including the unveiling of a mural along Peters Lane, Downtown Kingston, on Monday, September 23. Inspired by the TAW theme, the mural will symbolize tourism’s ability to foster unity across cultures.
One of the highlights of the week is the TAW Youth Forum on Wednesday, September 25. Students from Tourism Action Clubs (TAC) across the island will gather to explore the role of tourism in promoting peace and unity. The forum will feature a Speaker Series and a Storytelling Competition, giving students the opportunity to share their vision for a peaceful world shaped by tourism.
On Thursday, September 26, the focus will shift to Jamaican cuisine with "Savour Jamaica," a culinary event at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny. Themed "Out of Many, One Pot, One Love," the event will showcase authentic Jamaican dishes, emphasizing how food connects people through gastronomy tourism.
The week will culminate with the "Out of Many, One Love" concert at Devon House on Friday, September 27, in celebration of World Tourism Day. Hosted by Jenny Jenny, the concert will feature performances by Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, and DBurnz, with music by DJ Kurt Riley. The event will bring together the public, tourism partners, and stakeholders for an evening of cultural exchange and celebration.
Global Significance
While the events unfold in Jamaica, Minister Bartlett will join global tourism leaders in Tbilisi, Georgia, to mark World Tourism Day 2024. Reflecting on the global significance of tourism, he stated, "Peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is harmony, acceptance, and mutual understanding. Jamaica’s tourism industry is not only a pillar of economic growth but also a force for global peace. By fostering the free flow of people and ideas across borders, tourism builds bridges of understanding and acceptance."
Conclusion
Tourism Awareness Week 2024 is a celebration of the power of tourism to bring people together and promote peace. The events and activities planned throughout the week will showcase the sector’s ability to act as a catalyst for peace both locally and globally. We urge all to participate in the week’s activities and stay engaged through the Ministry’s social media platforms @tourismja for further updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the theme of Tourism Awareness Week 2024?
- The theme is "Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love."
- What is the focus of the week’s activities?
- The week’s activities will showcase how tourism can act as a catalyst for peace both locally and globally.
- How can I participate in the week’s activities?
- You can participate in the week’s activities by attending the events and following the Ministry’s social media platforms @tourismja for further updates.
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