Minister Bartlett to Participate in Global Summit and UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today (June 4) for Europe where he will engage in several high-level activities aimed at bolstering Jamaica’s position in the global tourism arena. Minister Bartlett will be participating in 2 significant events: The Resilience and Innovation Summit being hosted by the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the 121st UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

Ahead of his departure, the tourism minister noted that his participation in the Resilience and Innovation Summit underscores Jamaica’s commitment to building a more robust and adaptable tourism industry. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of our industry globally,” said Minister Bartlett. “However, it also presented an opportunity to rebuild in a more resilient way. Innovation is key to this process, allowing us to develop new strategies, and cutting-edge technologies, and adapt to evolving market demands,” he added.

Minister Bartlett will deliver the keynote address on how innovation cements resilience. He emphasized:

“By fostering a culture of creativity and embracing new ideas, we can ensure that the tourism industry is prepared to navigate future shocks and thrive in the years to come.”

In addition to his keynote address, Minister Bartlett will also be hosting bilateral meetings with representatives of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and other countries. With this in mind, he said: “These meetings provide a valuable platform to showcase the unique offerings of Brand Jamaica and strengthen tourism partnerships.”

Following the summit, Minister Bartlett will travel to Barcelona to participate in the 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council. This meeting brings together tourism leaders from around the world to discuss critical issues and develop collaborative strategies for advancing sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

The Executive Council is a highly revered body and is responsible for the management and implementation of strategic decisions carried out by UN Tourism.

“Jamaica’s election last year as Second Vice Chair of the UN Tourism Executive Council was a significant achievement,” Minister Bartlett noted. He continued: “This position allows us to share our experiences and best practices with the global tourism community, while also advocating for the interests of small island developing states like Jamaica.”

“By actively engaging in these high-level discussions, we are striving to ensure that Jamaica remains a thought leader and a top-of-mind destination for international travelers,” he concluded.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.