Jamaica and the Philippines Explore Signing MOU on Tourism Collaboration

This distinguished accolade, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, celebrates excellence in various fields, including peace, human rights, politics, science, and the arts. Minister Bartlett’s award highlights his leadership in championing tourism resilience and sustainability, particularly in small island developing states, and underscores his commitment to advancing global cooperation in the tourism sector.

The award is part of the ongoing four-day Gusi Peace Prize event, which will conclude on November 28, 2024. Global figures from various sectors will gather to network and explore solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In expressing his gratitude after accepting the award, Minister Bartlett said:
“Receiving the Gusi Peace Prize is a humbling and deeply inspiring honor. This recognition belongs not just to me but to the people of Jamaica, whose innovation, resilience, and cultural richness are at the heart of all I do. It highlights how tourism when approached thoughtfully, can transform communities and inspire unity worldwide.”

On the margins of the awards ceremony, Minister Bartlett also led a series of high-level discussions with representatives of the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, focusing on the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster greater cooperation between the two countries in the tourism industry. The proposed MOU will focus on several key areas that will drive mutual growth and innovation.

Minister Bartlett highlighted the importance of human capital development as a key pillar of the potential agreement, citing the Philippines’ success in training over 170,000 tourism workers annually. He noted that this collaboration would help Jamaica strengthen its tourism workforce by enhancing service excellence across the island.
“The Department of Tourism in the Philippines has done remarkable work in training tourism workers and certifying them in service excellence. We look forward to collaborating with them to strengthen further service excellence in Jamaica, which is at the core of the visitor experience,” he added.

Additionally, the proposed MOU will address craft development, where both countries will exchange expertise in utilizing Indigenous materials to create value-added products. Minister Bartlett expressed excitement about the potential for Jamaican artisans to explore new creative possibilities, particularly through the exchange of knowledge with Filipino artisans who have successfully used local resources such as pineapple and banana fibers to create garments and other items. Concerning this, the tourism minister noted: “Our artisans can benefit immensely from learning how to transform waste and widely available materials, such as coffee and bananas, into high-quality products. The Philippines has done marvellous work in this area, and we look forward to collaborating with them to bring new value to our own rich natural resources.”

Furthermore, the MOU will also prioritize sustainability and resilience initiatives, with the establishment of a Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) at the University of Manila. Minister Bartlett emphasised that this collaboration would strengthen efforts to build more resilient tourism frameworks and improve sustainability across both nations. The two countries also discussed enhancing community tourism, with Minister Bartlett suggesting that there is great potential for collaboration in developing village tourism—a model which has seen success in the Philippines and could further enrich Jamaica’s own community-based tourism initiatives.

The discussions also touched on the potential for improved air connectivity between Jamaica and the Philippines, with opportunities to connect Jamaica with key destinations in Asia, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. The tourism minister noted that these efforts could significantly increase tourism arrivals, benefiting both countries’ economies.

Global Tourism Resilience Conference

Our three-day conference and expo will delve into and demonstrate the crucial role of digital transformation in building tourism resilience. The three days will also feature an engaging Expo designed to create a dynamic space where digital technology firms and industry experts can showcase their latest goods and services aimed at building resilience in the tourism sector. This exhibition will provide tourism stakeholders with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that are essential for fortifying tourism against various disruptions. Participants will engage with advanced tools, software, and systems that enhance crisis management, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable tourism practices. The Expo will foster networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and partnerships between technology providers and tourism stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and forward-thinking global tourism industry. To register for the conference, visit visitjamaica.com/gtr/

Minister Bartlett concluded by announcing that the Secretary of Tourism for the Philippines, Hon. Christina Garcia-Frasco, is expected to visit Jamaica in February 2025, where the details of the MOU will be further discussed and an agreement finalized during the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference.

The conference is scheduled for February 17-19, 2025, at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Negril.