Jamaica is set to host a major conference by the United Nations World Tourism Organization next year.

The country will be the host of the first-ever UNWTO Global Conference on Tourism Development and Sustainability, according to Jamaica Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett.

“Next year has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year for Sustainable Tourism Development and we are very excited that little Jamaica has been selected to host such a prestigious event,” he said.

The conference will bring together 157 tourism ministers from around the world, along with around 500 tourism-related companies.

It will be the first time that the private and public-sector arms of the UNWTO are coming together for a global event.

“This is also a huge opportunity for the value-added side of tourism, such as health and wellness network, gastronomy and entertainment and music,” he said.