The Global Tourism Resilience Day is celebrated in Jamaica with delegated from
around the world, including two competing UN Tourism Secretary General candidates – Gloria Guevara and Harry Theoharis.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett’s who founded Tourism Resilience Day received a standing applause and presented his opening speech:
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, Partners in Tourism, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening—wherever you are joining us from around the world. It is my profound honor and privilege to stand before you today as both Minister of Tourism for the great nation of Jamaica and Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).
We gather here at the dawn of an era that demands new vision, renewed commitment, and unwavering resolve. We come together on this 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference to celebrate our shared achievements, confront our common vulnerabilities, and chart a course forward for tourism worldwide. Today’s conference is doubly significant as we also observe Global Tourism Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of building resilience across our sector and creating spaces for dialogue and transformative actions.
The Importance of Tourism to World Development
Tourism is not merely about leisure or sightseeing; 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.
Yet, the benefits of tourism are not exclusive to developing nations alone. Tourism is a worldwide economic driver—employing one in every ten individuals globally. It is a unifying thread that weaves together people from different walks of life, bridging continents and cultures, and serving as an engine of prosperity.
The Impact of COVID-19 and the Imperative of Resilience
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, few industries felt its fury more intensely than the tourism sector. In a matter of weeks, borders were sealed, flights were grounded, and the flow of travelers ceased almost entirely. This abrupt halt was not merely a momentary inconvenience; it was an economic earthquake that shook communities and livelihoods worldwide.
But tourism, by its very nature, is resilient. It thrives on human curiosity, our innate desire to explore the unknown, and our deep longing to connect with the global community. Indeed, we have seen that tourism can spring back with remarkable vigor. Yet, even as it recovers, we must not ignore its vulnerabilities. From natural disasters to geopolitical shocks, from health emergencies to climate change—these challenges stand ever-present, testing the durability of our beloved industry.
That is why our collective mission must be to mitigate these vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of tourism. We must harness innovation, champion sustainability, and foster collaboration across all sectors to ensure that the next crisis—whatever form it takes—does not cripple our progress but rather spurs our creativity and resolve.
The Role of GTRCMC and the Government of Jamaica
Here, allow me to underscore the role of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, headquartered in Jamaica. Established on the principle that knowledge is our most powerful weapon against uncertainty, the GTRCMC has been a leader and advocate for building resilience across the global tourism ecosystem.
As Chairman, I have had the honor of witnessing firsthand the Centre’s dedication to research, training, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Alongside the Government of Jamaica—an unwavering proponent of tourism resilience—we have rallied global stakeholders and policymakers to adopt preventive measures, bolster crisis response, and advance a more sustainable tourism model.
Embracing Digital Technologies for a More Resilient Tourism Sector
In our quest to build resilience, digital technology is a formidable ally. From artificial intelligence to data analytics, from virtual reality experiences to blockchain-based transparency, the digital realm offers us an extraordinary toolkit to anticipate challenges and innovate solutions. These technologies enable:
- Real-Time Data and Analytics – Monitoring travel flows, consumer trends, and potential risks, allowing us to make proactive decisions.
- Virtual Engagements and Marketing – Offering immersive experiences that can keep destinations top-of-mind even during travel pauses.
- Smart Destination Management – Enhancing visitor experiences through digital ticketing, crowd management, and personalized itineraries that promote sustainability and authenticity.
- Robust Crisis Communication – Facilitating swift and clear communication with stakeholders, travelers, and local communities in times of crisis.
By weaving these digital tools into our tourism strategies, we can foresee disruptions, respond effectively to crises, and ensure the continuity of this vital sector.
GTRCMC’s Work in Building Resilience
At the GTRCMC, we focus on a range of thematic areas that advance tourism resilience worldwide. We have led innovative programs and strategic alliances that speak to our commitment:
- Climate Tourism Resilience
o In partnership with JICA (the Japan International Cooperation Agency) and Airbnb, we have launched initiatives here in the Caribbean to support small tourism enterprises and coastal communities, ensuring they are more robust in the face of climate-related threats.
- Pandemic Management
o Through collaboration with CARPHA (the Caribbean Public Health Agency), we developed guidelines and frameworks to prepare destinations for health emergencies, enabling them to weather the storm of COVID-19 and any future pandemics more effectively.
- Entrepreneurial Resilience in Jordan
o Through cultural heritage projects, we have empowered local entrepreneurs to protect, preserve, and promote Jordan’s rich historical sites, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with heritage conservation.
- Digital Resilience: AI Initiatives
o Now, we are pleased to announce a new frontier of work focused on digital resilience. The GTRCMC will be rolling out a series of AI-driven initiatives designed to enhance destinations worldwide—from dedicated training and capacity-building programs to thought leadership and advocacy efforts. By equipping tourism stakeholders with cutting-edge digital skills, we aim to reshape the industry, making it more agile, inclusive, and future-ready.
These initiatives, collectively, stand to transform global tourism. They illustrate how resilience-building efforts can range from environmental sustainability to public health, from heritage preservation to digital innovation—all converging to create a seamless and sustainable global tourism environment.
The Purpose of Global Tourism Day
Ladies and Gentlemen, that is precisely why Global Tourism Day stands as a beacon of unity and inspiration. It reminds us that tourism is not an isolated activity, but a grand tapestry of interconnected aspirations, livelihoods, and cultural dialogues.
• We observe this day to raise consciousness about the magnitude of building resilience.
• We dedicate this day to fostering open dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovative collaborations—like the conference we are opening today.
• We take this day to reaffirm our collective commitment to fortifying the tourism sector against ever-evolving global threats and uncertainties.
So as we observe Global Tourism Day today, let us recognize the unparalleled potential of digital technologies to revolutionize tourism, making it more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic for generations to come.
Opening the Conference & Observing the Day
In this spirit of optimism and determination, I now declare the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference officially open. Let these next few days be filled with robust discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and concrete action plans. May we leave this summit with renewed purpose, armed with fresh insights to propel our industry forward.
As we celebrate Global Tourism Day, let us recommit ourselves to the noble endeavor of harnessing tourism’s power for the advancement of humanity. Let us strengthen the very foundations that make our sector vibrant, sustainable, and unwavering in the face of adversity.
A Final Spark of Inspiration
In closing, I invite each of you to remain for the spectacular light show that will take place shortly—a radiant symbol of our collective brilliance and the enlightenment that emerges when we unite in purpose. May its luminous display serve as a powerful reminder that in the darkest of times, human creativity and collaboration can shine the brightest.
Thank you for your unwavering support, for your dedication to the cause of tourism resilience, and for standing beside us as we forge a brighter, more sustainable future.
Let the conference begin, and may our work here light a path to a new era of global tourism resilience.
Thank you, and may blessings abound for you, your organizations, and the communities you serve.
