Tourism thought leaders from around the globe are set to converge in Negril, Jamaica, from February 17-19, 2025, for the Third Annual Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo.
Hosted at the newly opened Princess Grand and the adjacent Princess Senses, The Mangrove resorts, the conference is poised to shape the future of the global tourism industry, focusing on resilience and digital innovation.
The event promises to foster collaboration and practical solutions to tackle emerging challenges in tourism. Key outcomes expected from the conference include:
- Increased knowledge of digital tools for resilience
- Renewed focus on building resilience across sectors
- Collaboration for sustainable tourism solutions
- Case studies highlighting effective resilience strategies
- Adoption of crisis management technologies
- Introduction of financial tools focused on resilience
- Emphasis on resilience in blue economy management
- Policy recommendations to support resilience efforts
- Greater collaboration between tourism stakeholders and digital technology firms globally
“The principles of tourism resilience have guided us in Jamaica and are crucial to our ongoing success,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, and founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). “As the global tourism industry faces new disruptions, it has never been more important to tap into the expertise of leaders and innovators to discuss issues critical to future-proofing the sector.”
Rajan Datar, host of the BBC’s award-winning The Travel Show, will serve as the emcee for the conference. Panelists will include representatives from organizations such as the World Bank, UNWTO, American Airlines, Carnival, Mastercard, and other industry leaders.
The conference agenda includes:
- Day 1: Focus on digital transformation in tourism, with discussions on cybersecurity, AI, robotics, the Metaverse, and more. It will also coincide with the observation of Global Tourism Resilience Day, a United Nations-recognized day supported by GTRCMC.
- Day 2: The role of digital technologies in transforming coastal tourism spaces will be explored.
- Day 3: Attendees will engage in a high-level Ministerial Roundtable on digital technologies for resilience and participate in tours showcasing Jamaica’s resilient tourism practices. The day will also feature gastronomic events highlighting Jamaican culinary heritage and demonstrations of the latest resilience technologies.
A key feature of the event will be the Expo, providing a dynamic space for digital technology firms to showcase their solutions aimed at fortifying the tourism industry against disruptions. The exhibition will highlight advanced tools for crisis management, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable tourism practices.
Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMC, emphasized the conference’s significance, stating, “In a world where disruptions, both natural and man-made, become more prevalent in the global tourism industry, this conference is fast becoming a must-attend. It will provide a platform for the sector to prepare and adapt to emerging trends.”
With over 200 delegates expected from around the world, Jamaica is prepared to offer a warm welcome to the conference. “Tourism is the world’s largest industry, and the same holds true here in Jamaica,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “We are excited to welcome delegates and showcase our hospitality.”
Delegates can register for the conference at: https://www.visitjamaica.com/gtr/
