Jamaica to participate in UN high level conference on tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jul 14, CMC – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is participating in a High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development examining the economic, social, and environmental sustainability in tourism at the United Nations on Friday.

The event is being organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in collaboration with Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Tourism of India.

It is aimed at showcasing how multilateral, public and private sector partnerships are contributing to the fulfilment of tourism’s potential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Jamaica is currently pioneering some of the most transformational tourism-related strategies and policies internationally. The Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy is almost at the white paper stage and we’ve been partnering with the IDB to develop the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

“So, this forum provides an ideal opportunity to share the approaches we have been taking but more importantly, it gives us a chance to benefit from the knowledge, best practises and expertise in tourism that other member states bring to the table,” Bartlett said.

Some of the event’s objectives include enhancing awareness around the need for resilient tourism practises and sustainable recovery strategies, emphasising the role of data in tracking progress and ensuring the alignment of tourism initiatives with broader policy objectives and demonstrating how the private sector can advance towards effective sustainability actions for tourism.

“A key focus of the forum is to inspire common action between the public and private sectors to achieve social, environmental and governance sustainability within the tourism industry. In Jamaica, our strategic direction aligns perfectly with this mission.

“We understand that tourism is a confluence of moving parts often led by privately owned entities. Once we work together in a synergistic way, we’ll be able to push forward innovative solutions that strengthen tourism’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Bartlett.

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