Jamaica is continuing its call for the creation of a tourism resilience fund, one that would help vulnerable Caribbean nations build up their resilience to the effects of climate change. 

It’s the brainchild of Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who has helped to position the island as the epicenter of resilience-focused policy formulation, including the home of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center in Montego Bay.

“Imagine if each tourist were to contribute a small tip after every purchase made in their destination. This simple act could potentially generate billions of dollars, crucially needed by nations that are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change but often lack the necessary resources to enhance their resilience,” said Bartlett, who was speaking during a three-day event organized by the International Society of City and Regional Planners. 

For small islands in the Caribbean, Bartlett said, climate change is an existential threat; their small side, limited resources and global isolation make them uniquely vulnerable to climatic shifts and natural disasters. 

 “Effectively addressing these vulnerabilities demands a multifaceted approach, including international cooperation, climate resilience initiatives, sustainable development strategies, and rigorous efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.