Kingston, Jamaica – The necessity to increase human capital growth and construct resilience within the tourism sector by way of extra focused funding, can be excessive on the agenda because the Ministry of Tourism, its public our bodies and tourism companions, observe Tourism Consciousness Week 2023 from September 24 – 30.
The week can be noticed underneath the United Nations World Tourism Group’s (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day, September 27, “Tourism and Inexperienced Investments”. which seeks to underscore the necessity to put money into folks, planet and prosperity.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
In highlighting the relevance of this yr’s theme, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, stated: “The theme is correct on level because it recognises the pressing want for accountable tourism practices that prioritise the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. As stewards of this stunning Earth, it’s our ethical accountability to safeguard its pure, financial and social sources for future generations. Our actions for Tourism Consciousness Week (TAW) will mirror this well timed theme.”
“Funding is not resigned to the blocks and metal of infrastructure. Investing in human capital, know-how and innovation, entrepreneurship in addition to the atmosphere are equally necessary for the sustainable progress of journey and tourism,” he continued.
Minister Bartlett emphasised tourism’s function as a key driver of the nationwide economic system by contributing considerably to Jamaica’s Gross Home Product (GDP), employment and international trade earnings. Nonetheless, whereas noting the sector’s phenomenal efficiency, the tourism minister additionally cautioned that “we must always not lose sight of the significance of sustainable and accountable tourism practices, which will help defend our surroundings and enrich our native communities.”
Minister Bartlett highlighted that “latest Jamaica Vacationer Board (JTB) figures point out that between January and August of 2023, Jamaica welcomed some 2.77 million guests, a 32.6% enhance over the corresponding interval final yr. This consists of 1.97 million stopover guests, up 19.7% and 801,042 cruise guests, representing a rise of 81.06%, over the identical interval final yr, with gross earnings of US$2.93 billion, which is a 21.8% enhance in gross tourism {dollars} earned in simply these eight months.”
Jamaica Main in Submit-Pandemic Restoration
With this in thoughts, Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed the tourism minister’s sentiments, saying, “Jamaica’s record-breaking efficiency displays our dedication to sustainable and accountable tourism practices. We consider that by investing in these areas, we not solely safeguard our stunning vacation spot but additionally make sure the long-term success and resilience of our tourism trade. As tourism leads Jamaica’s post-pandemic restoration, this yr’s focus for Tourism Consciousness Week couldn’t be extra applicable.”
Thanksgiving Church Service
The week will start with a Thanksgiving Church Service on the Montego Bay New Testomony Church of God, St. James on Sunday, September 24. Tree planting and seedling handing-over workouts can be held along side Tourism Motion Golf equipment at colleges throughout the island, beginning in Kingston on the Excelsior Excessive Faculty on Monday, September 25.
World Tourism Day
For World Tourism Day (September 27) a particular Youth Discussion board can be held on the Montego Bay Conference Centre. The discussion board seeks to supply youth an opportunity to actively take part in discussions about the way forward for the tourism trade. This system will embody partaking shows, exhibitions and dwell performances.
Minister Bartlett will be a part of different international tourism leaders together with officers from the United Nations World Tourism Group (UNWTO) in marking World Tourism Day 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia the place he famous that, “Jamaica would be the toast of this yr’s celebration as a mannequin of resilience and people-oriented investments.”
Different actions embrace:
Digital Information Discussion board on Tuesday, September 26
Faculty speaker collection from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29
Tourism Alternatives Visionary Symposium and follow-up workshops scheduled for Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29
Roll-out of the Tourism Consciousness Week 2023 On-line Useful resource Information.
