On February 6, 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, marking a significant date on the global calendar by declaring February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day.
Sustainable and resilient tourism can help promote inclusive economic growth, social development and financial inclusion, particularly for the world’s developing countries.
Saturday is Global Tourism Resilience Day. https://t.co/fydCQ4erSy
— United Nations (@UN) February 17, 2024
The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the tourism industry and to encourage countries, organizations, and individuals to take proactive measures in developing strategies that can help the tourism sector recover and flourish after disruptions.
This year, it takes center stage with the theme “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience”. This theme underscores the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the tourism industry against future challenges and crises while simultaneously advancing sustainability goals.
Jamaica and Kenya Host Global Tourism Resilience Conference
On February 16 and 17, the Ministry of Tourism for Jamaica, in collaboration with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, will be observing the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nairobi, Kenya.
The highly anticipated 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference is only three days away. The high-level conference will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on February 16 and 17, under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.” pic.twitter.com/0zyb2yQ1tx
— Ministry Of Tourism Jamaica (@tourismja) February 13, 2024
The 2024 theme will be the center of attention at this conference.
This conference coincides with the first anniversary of the United Nations declaration of February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day annually, a milestone achieved through Jamaica’s successful lobbying efforts led by Portfolio Minister, Edmund Bartlett.
Minister Barlett stated, “We would have seen first-hand the far-reaching impact of rising sea levels just a few days ago along Jamaica’s north coast as well as in other islands.
Incidentally, the conference being in Montego Bay, which was also affected, provides a crucial opportunity to address issues related to climate change and resilience building in tourism.
Now more than ever, we must unite to find sustainable solutions that safeguard our industry and destinations.”
He has also announced the launch of a new book on Day 2 of the event entitled “Decoding the Future of Tourism Resilience.”
First Day Highlights
The conference kicks off with an opening ceremony featuring keynote speaker UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
On day one, panel discussions will be held to explore the changing landscape of the tourism sector in the digital age.
This will be followed by a stimulating conversation on “Building Tourism Infrastructure Resilience.” The session will focus on enhancing resilience in various tourism sectors.
In addition, there will be an insightful session on “Women in Tourism Resilience.” This thought-provoking panel will highlight the vital role of women in building tourism resilience.
The fourth and final panel discussion will focus on “Funding Tourism Resilience” and will delve into international strategies for financing resilience building.\
Also Read: World Wetlands Day
Second Day Highlights
On the second day of the event, there will be a keynote presentation by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, along with contributions from international speakers from Malaga, Spain, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia.
Afterwards, there will be a high-level Ministerial Round Table with the UN Tourism Secretary-General Pololikashvili and will include global representatives from the City of Malaga, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Brazil, Barbados, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
Ministers Bartlett and Bryan will also be among those adding valuable insights to the discussions.
The inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Awards Gala marks the conclusion of this conference, honoring the top 5 tourism leaders across the Caribbean who demonstrated resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
