NEW YORK, New York – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says there is the need for a united international effort to boost sustainable tourism practices.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism)Bartlett made the plea he addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the UN’s first-ever Sustainability Week now underway here..
The week-long initiative, being held from April 15-19, focuses on achieving a sustainable future for all, with a specific emphasis on the tourism industry’s role.
Bartlett, a leading advocate for sustainable development in tourism, addressed the High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism earlier this week.
“Allow me to express Jamaica’s appreciation for the support provided by the Member States of the United Nations in the General Assembly last year for the adoption of the resolution establishing February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day,” said Bartlett in his opening address.
He also pointed to the historical vulnerability of the tourism industry to global crises but also highlighting its “remarkable ability to recover and drive economic growth.
“In Jamaica, our focus has shifted towards sustainable tourism that respects both our natural resources and cultural heritage, ensuring long-term economic viability and sustainability,” he added. “The road to resilience is not one we can walk alone. Protecting global tourism, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), requires a concerted, international effort to implement adaptive, forward-thinking policies that not only mitigate risks but also promote sustainable practices.”
Bartlett also used the forum to reiterate his call for the establishment of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund.
“It is our shared responsibility to fortify the tourism sector against the inevitable challenges of the future,” he said. “We must foster a global environment where resilience in tourism is not just an aspiration but an achievement.
“The establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience Fund is a critical step towards this goal,” he added. “It embodies our collective commitment to a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for all nations reliant on tourism.”
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTA) said Bartlett’s address at the UNGA echoes his previous call for a special voluntary visitor contribution-driven fund to support tourism resilience initiatives.
JTA said he has expressed that the establishment of a dedicated Global Tourism Resilience Fund seeks to ensure that “vulnerable destinations are not only prepared for future crises but are also empowered to leverage tourism as a sustainable development tool.”
