Monday, February 19, 2024
During an official visit to Jamaica, UN Tourism shifted its focus towards fortifying the tourism sector against future adversities. With recent data indicating international arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023, efforts are now geared towards safeguarding the industry. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led a delegation whose visit coincided with the second Global Tourism Resilience Day. In Jamaica, a series of high-level meetings were held to advance initiatives promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, alongside priorities such as education and investment.
The emphasis lies on investments and education to bolster resilience across all facets of tourism. As Secretary-General Pololikashvili stated, “Every level of tourism must be ready to deal with shocks and emergencies and able to adapt to whatever challenge comes our way.” Through UN Tourism’s efforts, Global Tourism Resilience Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 to shield the sector, including its businesses and workers, from future shocks. The second annual commemoration took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a prominent destination in the Caribbean and Americas region.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Pololikashvili, alongside Jamaican Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and leaders from both public and private sectors, convened for a special one-day conference centered on enhancing resilience in tourism. The UN Tourism initiative aims to bolster resilience through two key avenues:
1. Investments: In conjunction with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), UN Tourism will expand its “Tourism Doing Business” investment guidelines, focusing specifically on Jamaica. These guidelines will highlight investment prospects within Jamaica’s tourism sector, emphasizing sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.
2. Education: In Montego Bay, discussions between the UN Tourism delegation and Jamaica’s Centre for Resilience led to plans for targeted educational initiatives. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Tourism are underway to establish a Tourism Academy in partnership with UN Tourism, catering to the broader Caribbean region
“Resilience takes many forms,” the UN Tourism Secretary-General said opening the conference. “Every level of tourism must be ready to deal with shocks and emergencies and able to adapt to whatever challenge comes our way. For many developing countries, including the least developed countries, small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries – we cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut for too long.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister extends a warm welcome to the UN Tourism delegation. In anticipation of the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Day festivities, Prime Minister Andrew Holness engaged in discussions with Secretary-General Pololikashvili. Their dialogue centered on mutual objectives aimed at enhancing tourism’s reach and influence within Jamaica and the broader Caribbean area. Additionally, the Prime Minister extended a gracious invitation for UN Tourism representatives to participate in the ceremonial opening of Parliament.Jamaica’s Prime Minister extends a warm welcome to the UN Tourism delegation. In anticipation of the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Day festivities, Prime Minister Andrew Holness engaged in discussions with Secretary-General Pololikashvili. Their dialogue centered on mutual objectives aimed at enhancing tourism’s reach and influence within Jamaica and the broader Caribbean area. Additionally, the Prime Minister extended a gracious invitation for UN Tourism representatives to participate in the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
