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Jamaica Tourism Minister Bartlett: “Japan among the most resilient nations in the world”

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That remark was made by Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Jamaica Tourism, in his capacity as founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center (GTRCMC) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, during his official visit, today, to Ichihara (one of the affected areas), Chiba, Japan, based on their unprecedented recovery system after being struck by one of the worst Typhoons, No. 19 – Hagibis – in their nation’s recent history. The Minister conveyed, at the same time, Jamaica’s condolences to the City Mayor, Mr. Joji Koide, reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity to Japan and engaged in discussion on cooperation related to disaster management approaches and strategies given Japan’s leading role in their implementation and parallel importance to the GTRCMC.

The Mayor, along with his team of senior level officials, gave the Tourism Minister a comprehensive tour of the affected areas, showcasing elements of the extraordinary relief operations undertaken and the cutting-edge technologies utilized (including drones and robots). Chief among these was a one of a kind, multi-purpose, Fire Truck (given the name Scrum Force and launched in 2019) with state-of-the-art rescue and relief equipment and facilities, as well as surveillance software integrated with drone technology and capacity, allowing for more expansive coverage, monitoring and response at unprecedented speeds.


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Minister Bartlett commended the Mayor and his team for the remarkable recovery achieved, given the level of damage experienced, and signaled the high interest of Jamaica to deepen cooperation on the best practices observed in disaster mitigation and relief operations. The results of these practices, such as its live-saving results, prompted the Minister to state “that they signaled the possibility of the addition of heightened value to the evolving body of study surrounding the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center (GTRCMC).”

The Tourism Minister called on the Mayor to not only document his Town’s highly-effective recovery and resilience mechanism, but to also consider paying a visit to Jamaica, or one of his representatives, to share his Town’s best practices on disaster risk reduction and management with the GTRCMC, in the spirit of deepened cooperation and friendship between Jamaica and Japan.

The Minister further noted that “Japan’s record of resilience in bouncing back quickly and building back better from a series of disruptions, notably of which the 2011 Earthquake and Fires and other mega Typhoons including the latest No19 Hagibis, were deserving of emulation and greater international recognition.”

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The Minister further indicated that “the world has much to learn from Japan in this regard.” This he also noted “would further advance discussions related to partnership with Japan, in relation to Jamaica’s desire to have a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the University of the West Indies and the International University of Japan, on resilience practices  in keeping with the objectives of the GTRCMC.”

Minister Bartlett also noted, with keen interest, the highly technologically-advanced nature of the special Fire Truck and suggested that such a vehicle would present significant life-saving potential for other Caribbean islands focused on building resilience against natural disasters, a core area of focus of the GTRCMC.

In registering his deep appreciation for the Minister’s and Jamaica’s solidarity with Ichihara and the wider Japanese society, the Mayor welcomed the opportunity for greater cooperation on disaster risk reduction and management, given his Town’s similar focus. The Mayor also indicated his interest in having further dialogue with the Minister on potential partnership and participation in the GTRCMC.

The meeting ended with the exchange of gifts between the Minister and the Mayor and a commitment to closer engagement including through the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo, Japan.

Among the many officers assembled by Mayor Koide, were the following: Mr. Katsunori Koyanagi, Fire Chief; Mr. Shoji Amano, Shizu Fire Department Chief; Mr.  Kenji Akiba, Manager, Secretarial Division; Mr. Shigemitsu Sakuma, Manager, Crisis Management Division; Mr. Takayuki Igarashi, Manager, Human Rights and International Exchanges Division; and Mr.  Kenji Akiba, Manager, Secretarial Division.

For more information about Jamaica, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Statement from the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre on the Passage of Super-Typhoon Hagibis

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The recent passage of Typhoon Hagibis last week was a stark reminder of the urgent need for resilient societies effectively prepared to confront historic storms and extreme weather events.

The consequent loss of over 70 lives and disruption to daily activities with over 5,000 persons in shelters; 230,000 evacuees ahead of the storm; over 9,960 homes flooded, thousands of homes without electricity and water; and cancellation of World Rugby Cup 2019 matches highlight a few of the focus areas for immediate action in crafting resilience policies – energy, water, housing, transportation, health and sports tourism.

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM), stands ready to advance on discussions to establish a satellite center of the GTRCM in Japan as both countries have a wealth of expertise, good practices and experiences in effectively managing the aftermath of natural disasters.

In a letter to the Tourism Minister of Japan, Hon. Keiichi Ishii, the Co-Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says, “I express deepest sympathies with you, the people and Government of Japan following the passage of super typhoon Hagibis which has claimed more than 70 lives and caused widespread destruction in its wake.”

The trajectory and intensity of Typhoon Hagibis caused record rainfall in Tokyo with severe flooding as more than twenty rivers in the central and northeastern Japan had burst their banks. The repeated historic records of these natural disasters demand that resilience discussions and efforts be innovative and forward thinking to brace against nature’s exponential increase in intensity and impact.

The establishment of satellite centers in countries such as Japan which have a track record of effectively responding to and recovering from natural disasters and other disruptions to sustainable development will enhance the growing body of research and innovative solutions to “build back better”.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, launched earlier this year, was established to  assist global tourism destinations with destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally, include climate and seismic events.

For more information on Jamaica, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and KMA Group, a subsidiary of Kaung Myanmar Aung (KMA) Group of Companies, signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) in Bangkok for the management of a new hotel in Myanmar owned by KMA. The property, located at one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, will be rebranded and managed under the Centara brand beginning this year.

The 95-key Centara KMA Resort Inle Lake, located on the shores of Inle Lake in central Myanmar, is scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2019.

We are very excited to move forward in partnership with KMA Hotels, one of the leading hospitality companies in Myanmar,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “This agreement enables Centara to establish a significant foothold in a country with tremendous growth potential for tourism, and work with the highly experienced management team at KMA.”

KMA Group of Companies is a privately held company founded and led by Chairman                      U Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of CB Bank. The Group comprises 15 corporate entities operating across a diverse range of industries.

“We are delighted to have Centara’s strong brand and international management expertise coming on board at the new resort property,” said Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of KMA Group. “I am confident that Centara’s presence in Myanmar will contribute toward realising the country’s full potential for tourism growth while ensuring continued success for KMA’s hotel and tourism businesses.”

Centara signed a MOU with KMA earlier this year for the management of six hotels and resorts in Myanmar. This new management agreement represents the completion of the deal for the first of these properties with the others set to follow imminently.

Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s second-largest country and boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Myanmar’s projected tourism growth rate of 8.5% annually through 2025 puts the country at the top of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.

The addition of a new Myanmar property is further evidence of Centara’s continued expansion strategy, and the combination of Centara’s expertise and KMA Group’s mastery of development are sure to elevate Myanmar’s hospitality sector.

Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort
Centara and KMA Group Sign HMA for a New Myanmar Resort

About KMA Hotels GROUP

KMA Hotels was formed in October of 2007 as a division of the KMA Group of Companies, with the aim of being a Myanmar national owned hotel chain providing international standard services and facilities. The Royal Kaytumadi Hotel, the first five-star hotel from KMA Hotels Management opened on 9th April, 2008 in Taungoo. KMA Hotels currently operates eight resorts, hotels and inns in Myanmar.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 75 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara is strategically expanding its portfolio with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:pornchanokth@chr.co.th  Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:puntirach@chr.co.th Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6922        

Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre to establish 5 Satellite Centers in Africa

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM) will be establishing satellite centers in Kenya, Seychelles, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco to expand their reach within the continent.

This agreement emanated from discussions held in the margins of the 23rd session of the UNWTO General Assembly, currently taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Satellite Centres will focus on regional issues and will share information in Nano time with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. They will then function as think tanks to develop possible solutions.

Each Minister has the responsibility of identifying a university in their respective countries, to collaborate with the University of the West Indies and by extension the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.

Relevant memoranda of understanding are also being finalized to facilitate this agreement, beginning with the satellite Centre in Kenya.

This comes on the heels of President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta’s assumption as Honorary Co-Chair of the GTRCM for Africa last month.

President Kenyatta joins the esteemed ranks of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta, who are also GTRCM honorary co-chairs.

The Governments of Jamaica and the Republic of Kenya also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to broaden cooperation in tourism. Among the many areas listed in the framework for cooperation are the promotion of safe, ethical and sustainable tourism; collaboration on addressing risk related to tourism resilience and crisis management, through research and development, policy advocacy and communication management, and training and capacity building.

While in Russia, the Minister has been championing the efforts of the GTRCM.  He used his platform to address the General Assembly to speak about the disruptions in the Caribbean, with particular focus on the Bahamas and its recent experience with Hurricane Dorian. His speech was welcomed by the UNWTO General Assembly, which in turn has expressed solidarity with the government and people of the Bahamas.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which was first announced in 2017, operates in a global context that is characterized by not only new challenges, but also new opportunities for tourism in an effort to improve the tourism product as well as to ensure the sustainability of tourism globally. The ultimate purpose of the Centre is to assist destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.

The Minister and his delegation are expected to return from Russia on September 14, 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Bartlett to attend UNWTO General Assembly in Russia

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett departs the island tomorrow to participate in the 23rd Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

During his visit, the Minister will discuss plans for Jamaica to host the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) meeting as well as a Global Conference on Innovation, Resilience and Crisis Management, in May or June of 2020.

Jamaica was successful in its bid for the Chairmanship of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) for the biennium 2019 – 2021. 

“Jamaica is very excited to host members of the CAM for this very important meeting next year. We are also very pleased that it will give fellow members an opportunity to learn more about our Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which will play host to this meeting,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which is located at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, is dedicated to assisting with preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods.

The Minister also shared that he will use his visit in Russia to lobby for more support for Bahamas, immediate past chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas, following the damage caused by the passing of hurricane Dorian.

“While in Russia I will be presenting the case overall for further collaboration with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in relation to dealing with Caribbean vulnerabilities. In the process, I will be supporting the Bahamas in their own recovery efforts.

I will be partnering with Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, to ensure that a full appreciation for the extent of the damage in the area, and the extent of support that is required is realised by all of the partners,” said the Minister.

All 156-member states are expected to be in attendance in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation for the General Assembly, which is the supreme organ of the UNWTO.  Its ordinary sessions are held every two years and are attended by delegates of the Full and Associate Members.

The General Assembly is the most important meeting of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives of the private sector from all over the world. It is the principal gathering of the UNWTO and meets to approve the budget and programme of work and to debate ‎topics of vital importance to the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett is expected return to the island on September 14, 2019.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

Fax: (876) 906 1729