The Montego Bay Convention Centre hosted this year’s second Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference with a prestigious collaborative workforce February 16-17, 2024. The theme ‘Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience,’ highlighted The Honorable Edmund Bartlett’s outstanding dedication to the Tourism Ministry of Jamaica.
The collaboration that took place between the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) put together timely presentations that set the tone for celebration and the foundation for the next annual conference to be held bi-annually in Jamaica. Every other year, Jamaica will host the Global Tourism Resilience Conference.
The Global Conference opened with a Ceremony on February 16th hosted by Fiona Fennell, Master of Ceremonies (Global Public Relations & Communications Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board); Prof. Lloyd Waller, Executive Director, GTRCMC skillfully provided oversight for the successful presentations of multiple Speakers and Panels.
The four panels were comprised of expert speakers examples are provided below:
Panel 1: Building Tourism ‘Digital Resilience’ –Moderator: Mr. Ative Ennis, Senior Research Fellow (GTRCMC)Thesis: Interactive panel discussion which examined the changing environment of the Tourist sector.
Panel 2: Building Tourism ‘Infrastructure’ Resilience. Thesis: This session featured a panel discussion focusing on various sectors including cruise lines, airlift services, hotels, attractions, airports, land, and ports. The aim of the session was to provide professionals in the tourism industry with valuable insights into developing tourist infrastructures capable of tracking future challenges.
Topic: Women in Tourism Resilience
Moderator: Ms. Aradhana Khowala, CEW & Founder, Aptamind Partners
Thesis: Women in Tourism Resilience was s thought-provoking panel discussion highlighted the vital role of women in the development of the tourist sector.
In the final analysis, a shift will be made to empower and guide women through examining methods to overcome obstacles in the sector, cultivate inclusive settings, and motivate a fresh cohort of female leaders.
Panel 4: Funding Funding Tourism Resilience
Moderator: Cristina Edwards
Thesis: Examine how international organizations create and execute tourism resilience financing strategies.
The aim is for delegates to learn how international organizations finance tourism and how to use these possibilities to strengthen the tourist industry.
This panels expertise was far-reaching and impactful and was lead by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica and Founder/Co-Chair, GTRCMC
Day 2 presented the Live Celebration of Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024.
Master of Ceremonies: Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. During the Special Presentation of Hon. Minister Edmund Bartlett, he officially changed the name of GTRCMC to Global Tourism Resilience Centre to the approval of most delegates. He spoke on “The Importance of Global Tourism Resilience Day: The Future of Tourism Resilience and Global Sustainability.” At the end of his presentation, Minister Bartlett, declared the celebration of Global Tourism Resilience Day an official Global United Nations Day. In addition, the Global Tourism Resilience Day Declaration was shared.
One of the key presentations was made by Mr. UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili. He proposed the annual Global Resiliene Day be celebrated in Jamaica. Minister Ed Bartlett, kindly stated that, he disagreed and would rather have a bi-annual event which would allow other countries worldwide to participate.
A book Launch and Coffee Break were offered. Minister Edmund Bartlett authored a new book entitled: “Decoding the Future of Tourism Resilience” Followed by a Closed Session, Ministerial and Leadership Roundtable with the UNWTO Secretary General on “Public Private Partnerships for Building Tourism Resilience”. The pièce de résistance of the day was the Global Resilience Gala and awards Ceremony which was held in one at the same venue.