Usain Bolt to serve as Special Ambassador for major tourism conference

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has invited Jamaica’s sprint icon Usain Bolt to serve as a Special Ambassador for the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The invitation to Bolt affords him the opportunity to attend the UN World Tourism Organization, Government of Jamaica and World Bank Group, Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth through Sustainable Tourism.

Conference: November 27 – 29

“The conference, taking place November 27 – 29, 2017 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, will kick start discussions for forming public-private-partnerships in the spirit of sustainable tourism for development. Less than half a percent of global funding went to tourism last year,” the JTB said.

“Worldwide, tourism provides one in every 11 jobs. This is particularly vital in Caribbean countries,” it added. In Jamaica, the tourism industry employs as many as one in five people.

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“In the same way that Usain Bolt’s dominant career has had a significant impact on Brand Jamaica and the island’s tourism, his role as a UNWTO ambassador will further emphasize the importance of this initiative worldwide, especially in the Caribbean,” JTB continued.

To encourage positive change

JTB said it’s “vital that the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development Ambassadors can encourage positive change in policies and business practices, and educate consumers about the importance of sustainable tourism.

Bolt – a compelling advocate

“Bolt’s international celebrity ensures he is a compelling advocate who can advance the mission of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development,” JTB said.

With Bolt’s status as an internationally-renowned athlete, JTB said he makes for a “compelling advocate, capable of inspiring younger generations to support sustainable tourism to development, and engaging stakeholders in fostering positive change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior.”

First Caribbean UNWTO conference

This will be the first UNWTO conference held in the Caribbean, “and the addition of Bolt as an ambassador will further solidify this Jamaican-led effort,” JTB said.