Saturday, February 22, 2025
Jamaica proudly marked the third Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17, 2025, reaffirming its dedication to sustainability and adaptability in an ever-evolving tourism landscape. A cornerstone of the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference, the day focused on reflection, renewal, and strengthening the industry against future disruptions.
Hosted at the Princess Grand in Hanover from February 17-19, the three-day conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to discuss cutting-edge strategies for bolstering tourism resilience. The event concluded with immersive destination excursions, allowing participants to experience Jamaica’s vibrant tourism offerings at Jamwest Adventure Park.
“As we observe Global Tourism Resilience Day for another year, we are reminded of the importance of raising awareness about building resilience across our sectors and creating spaces for dialogue and transformative action,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.
“Tourism is not merely about leisure or sightseeing,” he continued. “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. We must future-proof it.”
Jamaica Advances Global Tourism Resilience with Digital Transformation and Sustainability Focus
Under the theme “Building Tourism Resilience through Digital Transformation,” the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference emphasized the crucial role of sustainable practices in securing the long-term vitality of the tourism industry. Through collaborative dialogue and shared best practices, Jamaica reinforced its leadership in global tourism resilience, paving the way for continued innovation and sustainable growth.
The conference featured insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches from industry experts, including David Tepper, Co-Founder of Pay-I Inc., and Dr. Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director at Sandals Corporate University. A key session, “The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Tourism,” explored AI’s transformative impact on the industry. Participants also engaged in discussions on best practices and actionable solutions to enhance sustainability.
By commemorating Global Tourism Resilience Day 2025, the conference reaffirmed Jamaica’s thought leadership and the tourism sector’s commitment to resilience. As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, the event highlighted the imperative of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of travel.
“This conference serves as a pivotal platform to inspire collective action and innovative thinking. As we look towards the future, sustainability must be at the core of tourism development to ensure resilience and growth,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience Centre.
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