Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made a strong presence at the G20 Ministers of Tourism meeting held in Belém, Brazil. Representing Jamaica at this global event organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Bartlett joined ministers from 20 countries to discuss the future of tourism. His message centered around the vital importance of resilience and sustainable practices in a world facing growing environmental and economic challenges.
Held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, the meeting provided a platform for Bartlett to address global tourism issues while showcasing Jamaica’s prominent role on the world stage. Known for his global perspective on tourism, Bartlett reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to utilizing tourism as a driver of economic growth. He strongly advocated for policies that specifically benefit Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Jamaica, emphasizing the need for equitable development within the global tourism sector. He passionately argued that tourism must evolve to benefit both people and the planet, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Bartlett’s speech at the G20 meeting highlighted the critical need for a multifaceted approach to tourism development, especially for SIDS. He called on the G20 nations to actively support SIDS in building tourism resilience by promoting sustainable practices like eco-tourism and integrating renewable energy into tourism infrastructure. “Preserving natural ecosystems is essential for long-term sustainability,” Bartlett emphasized. He also stressed that the G20’s advanced technologies and resources could significantly aid SIDS in adopting these measures.
A key topic of discussion between Bartlett and his Brazilian counterpart, Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, was the importance of improving air connectivity between Jamaica and Brazil. This partnership has the potential to pave the way for a significant increase in Brazilian tourist arrivals to Jamaica.
Bartlett’s global vision for tourism also came into play during discussions with the Indian Minister of Tourism, Hon. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Their conversations focused on unlocking a potential billion-dollar tourism opportunity between India and Jamaica, particularly through the lucrative Indian wedding market. Bartlett sees this market as a vital avenue for future tourism growth in Jamaica, diversifying its tourism offerings beyond traditional markets.
Leveraging this platform, Bartlett advocated for the creation of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund. This fund, he proposed, would offer vital financial support to SIDS heavily reliant on tourism, enabling them to invest in sustainability, innovation, and crisis recovery. The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), founded by Bartlett, is already playing a pivotal role in advancing research, data analytics, and crisis management for SIDS. He emphasized the importance of building local capacity through knowledge transfer, technical advice, and financial resources to help SIDS navigate the challenges posed by climate change and external economic shocks.
One of the most exciting developments to come out of the G20 summit was the potential for a billion-dollar tourism opportunity between Jamaica and India. During his discussions with India’s tourism minister, Bartlett explored the possibility of boosting tourism arrivals from India to Jamaica, particularly through high-profile events such as Indian weddings. By tapping into this market, Bartlett hopes to reduce Jamaica’s reliance on traditional markets, such as the United States, and diversify its tourism offerings.
Another focal point of Bartlett’s speech was the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism industry. He pointed out that SMEs form the backbone of tourism in SIDS but often lack the financial resources and technical support needed to scale their operations. Bartlett called on the G20 nations to provide financial assistance, training, and digital tools to help these businesses thrive. By doing so, SMEs in SIDS can create more jobs, increase tourism revenue, and contribute to economic growth.
In addition to advocating for environmental sustainability, Bartlett stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage in SIDS. He proposed that the G20 assist SIDS in investing in cultural tourism by promoting and preserving historical sites. This, he argued, would not only enrich the lives of local communities but also attract tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences, thereby diversifying the tourism economy in these regions.
As Bartlett concluded his remarks, he reaffirmed his commitment to fostering global tourism resilience. He called for more targeted support from G20 nations to help SIDS overcome the economic challenges posed by climate change and external shocks. Through collaborative efforts, he believes that tourism-dependent SIDS can achieve sustainable and resilient growth.
Bartlett’s participation at the UN-Tourism G20 Ministers’ meeting not only elevated Jamaica’s status on the global tourism stage but also highlighted the potential for significant growth in tourism between Jamaica, Brazil, India, and other key markets. His vision for a resilient and sustainable tourism industry continues to shape the future of global travel, positioning Jamaica as a leader in tourism innovation.
