Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, embarked on a journey to Europe on Tuesday, aiming to elevate Jamaica’s standing in the global tourism sector through a series of pivotal engagements.
In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Bartlett will participate in the Resilience and Innovation Summit, orchestrated by the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council.
The summit serves as a platform to fortify Jamaica’s commitment to constructing a more resilient and adaptive tourism industry after the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keynote address: Innovating for resilience
Minister Bartlett is set to deliver a keynote address spotlighting the critical role of innovation in fortifying resilience within the tourism sector.
He underscores the necessity of fostering a culture of creativity and embracing novel ideas to navigate future challenges and flourish in the evolving market landscape.
Bilateral meetings: Cultivating partnerships for success
In tandem with the summit, Minister Bartlett will engage in bilateral discussions with representatives of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and counterparts from various nations.
These dialogues serve as a prime opportunity to showcase the distinctive allure of Brand Jamaica and reinforce alliances vital for the tourism sector’s growth.
UN Tourism Executive Council: Spearheading sustainable tourism practices
Subsequently, Minister Bartlett will convene in Barcelona, Spain, for the 121st UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting.
This prestigious assembly convenes global tourism leaders to deliberate on pivotal issues and formulate collaborative strategies to advance sustainable and responsible tourism practices worldwide.
Advocating for small island developing states
Minister Bartlett accentuates Jamaica’s significant achievement in securing the position of Second Vice Chair within the UN Tourism Executive Council.
This esteemed role empowers Jamaica to disseminate its experiences and advocate for the interests of small island developing states.
Through active participation in these deliberations, Jamaica reaffirms its status as a vanguard in the global tourism arena.
Positioning Jamaica as a premier destination
Minister Bartlett’s expressed Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its status as a thought leader and a premier destination for international travelers.
His concerted efforts aim to bolster Jamaica’s resilience, foster innovation, and cultivate invaluable partnerships vital for the sustained growth of the tourism sector.
Minister Bartlett is slated to return to Jamaican shores on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
