Jamaica has been working to position itself as a global center for the study and practice of tourism “resilience.”
That included the creation of the first global tourism resilience center and, last year in Kingston, the first-ever Global Tourism Resilience Conference in Montego Bay.
Now, Jamaica is holding that forum again, looking to forward the study of the way countries and tourism economies can bounce back — and become stronger — in the face of global challenges and risks.
“Global tourism resilience will once again take center stage with key experts speaking about building resilience in the industry. As tourism destinations continue to recover, it is critical that resilience be a focus of planning and development to future-proof the industry from any potential shock,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who founded the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.
This year’s summit will focus on topics like building “digital” resilience, “infrastructure” resilience and a look at the role and impact of women in tourism resilience.
“I am truly pleased that tourism resilience will be top of mind over the two-day period where we will get more insights into how destinations can better equip themselves in the face of disruptions. COVID-19 proved that tourism resilience is even more urgent, and we must act on this,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.
Jamaica says more than 200 delegates from around the world are expected to attend.
“We are preparing to give attendees a warm Jamaican welcome which will leave a lasting positive impression, said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “There is truly no better backdrop than Jamaica to host this mega conference.”