Jamaica hosts Second Global Tourism Resilience Conference in Montego Bay

BY PAUL JUNOR

It will certainly be four inspiring, empowering and exciting days in Montego Bay as the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hosts a press trip for 200 international journalists at the second Global Tourism Resilience Conference (GTRCMC) in Montego Bay.

It will take place from Friday, February 15^th to Saturday, February 16^th and will feature international: experts, industry personnel, and key tourism stakeholders. This two-day industry conference will showcase collaborative discussions on the future of tourism. The first GTRCMC conference was held in February 2023 in Kingston and featured the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, founder of the GTRCMC who currently serves as Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.

There will be expert panelists who will share their policies and strategies for anticipating the many disruptions that threaten the travel industry and will present on resilience building tactics to mitigate their economic impact.

Minister Bartlett states, “Global tourism resilience will once again take center stage with key experts on 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 tourism to various disruptions moving industry from any potential shock.”

Professor Lloyd Walter, Executive Director of GTRCMC states, “I am truly pleased that tourism resilience will be top of mind over the two-day period where we will get more insight 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.”

Donavan White, Director of Tourism states, “We are preparing to give attendees a warm Jamaican welcome, which will leave an indelible mark. There is truly no better backdrop than Jamaica to host this mega conference.”

The itinerary for the two-day Global Resilience Day Conference 2024 which will be under the theme, “Decoding the Future of Tourism Conference;” are:

Day 1: Friday, February 16^th, 2024

Panel 1: Building Tourism “Digital” Resilience

This workshop will feature experts in different areas of the tourism sector who will provide ways in which digital innovation is transforming the industry, including advancements in technology and innovative business models. They will examine in detail present patterns, providing beneficial viewpoints on how to creatively navigate and respond in a sustainable way to impending digital transformations.

Panel 2: Building Tourism ‘Infrastructure’ Resilience

There will feature a specialized session, “Enhancing Resilience in Tourism Infrastructure,” in which resilience in key industries such as cruise lines, airlift services, hotels, attractions, airports, lands, and ports will be analyzed.

Panel 3: Women in Tourism Resilience

The significant role that women play in the development of the tourist sector will be highlighted. The areas of focus will be Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership, and Networking and Collaboration. The role of women as inventors and entrepreneurs will be highlighted especially their pioneering ability and ability to utilize technology to alter the tourist industry.

Panel 4: Funding Tourism Resilience

The role of international organizations will be analyzed with respect to how they develop and execute tourist resilience strategies. This session will feature senior experts who will discuss mobilizing tourist resilience resources, identifying international organization financing options, understanding the criteria and methods for acquiring them, and implementing them in varied tourist settings.

Day 2: Saturday, February 17^th, 2024

(i) Celebration of Global Tourism Resilience Day

Dr. Lloyd Walker will give an overview of the day. There will be remarks from representatives of the Global Tourism Resilience Centers: Malaga, Kenya, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia. The keynote address will be given by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

(ii) Ministerial Round Table with Secretary General

Representatives from: Brazil, Barbados, Belize, Senegal, Burkina and Tobago House of Assembly will give presentations.

(iii) Global Tourism Resilience Awards Gala

There will be the presentation of awards that will close out the conference.