While often overlooked by tourists in favor of the natural Amazonian wonders on offer inland, the city of Belém is one of Brazil’s most cultural gem cities to visit. UN Tourism agreed and invited 20 ministers of tourism from around the globe to testify to this and change the world of tourism as well.
The Star of the event is once more Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett
The G20 Ministers of Tourism side event organized by UN Tourism calls for a new approach to tourism policy and governance that places a focus on people and the planet. With the event held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, high-level representatives of Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and the USA as well as the InterAmerican Development Bank, recalled the positive importance and impact of tourism in the economy and society and its potential to contribute to the SDGs and to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino said “UN Tourism is bringing to Belem, an essential debate for the tourism sector but also for the world. Sustainability is a priority for the government of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and tourism when developed responsibly, protecting the environment, culture, and history, is the most prosperous way for the development of nations. And Brazil is leading this so much-needed and urgent debate.”
Jamaica’s minister Edmund Bartlett urged the 19 sovereign countries of the G20, along with representatives from the European Union and African Union to invest in capacity building for resilience in tourism-dependent Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He highlighted the disparities and their need for targeted support.
While sharing his concern as a minister with a global mindset, he is seen with his counterpart from Brazil, Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino discussing airlift to enable Brazilians to travel to Jamaica in even larger numbers.
If this wasn’t enough a 1 billion opportunity emerged.
India and Jamaica’s New Tourism Opportunities
Hon. Edmund Bartlett with the Hon Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Minister Bartlett was seen in an engaged discussion with the Hon. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Indian minister of Tourism. Adding a billion opportunities to future tourism arrivals to the country of reggae, and having highly lucrative Indian Weddings in his mind, his dream to secure the future for Jamaica’s travel and tourism industry with or without having to depend only on the US market becomes clear.
Minister Bartlett’s important speech at the UN Tourism Ministeral Discussion is shared in its entirety.
It is a privilege to be here today to discuss how the G20, in collaboration with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), can significantly contribute to the development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that rely heavily on tourism.
The combined GDP of the G20 nations is approximately $90 trillion—an astronomical figure that reflects their vast economic power and global influence. In contrast, the combined GDP of tourism-dependent SIDS is estimated to be around $75 billion, underscoring the economic disparity that exists between these groups of countries. This imbalance is further highlighted by the difference in tourism revenue. G20 nations collectively generate nearly $1.5 trillion annually from tourism, while SIDS, despite their reliance on tourism, bring in only about $35 billion annually.
These numbers speak to the urgent need for support and collaboration between the G20 and SIDS. The economic vulnerabilities faced by SIDS are profound. Climate change, limited resources, and economic volatility due to external shocks are challenges that these nations, despite their beauty and tourism potential, must overcome. To address these challenges, we need a multifaceted strategy focused on knowledge transfer, technical advice, innovative tools and technologies, and financial support.
Multifaceted Strategy: Encouraging Sustainable Tourism Practices
The G20 can play a pivotal role by encouraging SIDS to adopt environmentally responsible tourism practices. The preservation of natural ecosystems is essential for long-term sustainability. By promoting eco-tourism and integrating renewable energy into tourism infrastructure, we can ensure that SIDS safeguards the very resources that attract global visitors. The G20, with its access to advanced technologies and best practices, can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and resources that SIDS needs to adopt these measures.
Enhancing Travel Facilitation
Improving travel facilitation will make tourism-dependent SIDS more accessible to the global market. Currently, these destinations face limitations in terms of air and sea connectivity, often impeding their ability to attract tourists. By simplifying visa processes and reducing travel barriers, the G20 can boost tourist arrivals. Additionally, leveraging the G20’s influence on global transportation networks can significantly improve connectivity for SIDS, enhancing their potential for tourism growth.
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
SMEs form the backbone of the tourism industry in SIDS, yet they often lack access to the financial resources and training needed to scale their businesses. The G20 can provide technical assistance and financial support to these enterprises, allowing them to compete in the global tourism market. This support can come in the form of training programs, access to digital tools, and improved financial services. In return, the strengthened SMEs will create more jobs, increase tourism revenues, and stimulate economic growth within SIDS.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is another critical asset for SIDS. Many of these islands have rich histories and vibrant traditions that add value to their tourism offerings. The G20 can help SIDS invest in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage sites, creating new tourism products that not only attract visitors but also enrich the lives of local communities. This investment in cultural tourism ensures a more diverse and resilient tourism economy for these nations.
Role of the GTRCMC
The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) is uniquely positioned to support SIDS in achieving tourism resilience. As we have seen time and again, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and global crises, which can devastate their tourism industries. The GTRCMC can provide crucial support in crisis management, helping SIDS build the capacity to prepare for, manage, and recover from crises.
Prof Lloyd Waller and Hon. Edmund Bartlett were seen showcasing their latest book.
In addition to crisis management, the GTRCMC can play a key role in advancing research and data analytics. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for developing effective tourism policies and investment strategies. The GTRCMC can offer these nations insights into global tourism trends, allowing them to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.
Through capacity-building programs, the GTRCMC can empower local stakeholders with the skills they need to thrive. Training in areas such as digital tourism, crisis management, and service excellence can provide SIDS with the tools to not only compete but lead in the global tourism market.
Call for Action: The Global Tourism Resilience Fund
While knowledge transfer and technical support are essential, we must also recognize that financial support is a critical need for tourism-dependent SIDS. I propose the creation of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund, dedicated to supporting the development of tourism-dependent SIDS. This fund would provide financial resources to help these nations invest in sustainability, innovation, and crisis recovery, ensuring that their tourism sectors can weather future challenges.
Additionally, I call for the establishment of a special committee within the G20, tasked with supporting tourism development in SIDS. This committee would work closely with the GTRCMC to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and provide the technical advice needed to implement innovative solutions and practices. It would also help facilitate the necessary partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as international organizations, to advance the goals of resilience and sustainability.
Conclusion
The economic disparity between the G20 and SIDS is stark, but with collaboration, innovation, and targeted support, we can bridge this gap. By working together, the G20 and GTRCMC can play a vital role in ensuring that tourism-dependent SIDS are not left behind but are given the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve sustainable and resilient growth.
