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 below the United Nations World Tourism Group’s (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day, September 27, “Tourism and Green Investments”. which seeks to underscore the necessity to put money into individuals, planet and prosperity.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
In highlighting the relevance of this 12 months’s theme, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, stated: “The theme is true 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 duty to safeguard its pure, financial and social sources for future generations. Our actions for Tourism Consciousness Week (TAW) will replicate this well timed theme.”
“Funding is not resigned to the blocks and metal of infrastructure. Investing in human capital, expertise and innovation, entrepreneurship in addition to the surroundings are equally vital for the sustainable development of journey and tourism,” he continued.
Minister Bartlett emphasised tourism’s position as a key driver of the nationwide economic system by contributing considerably to Jamaica’s Gross Home Product (GDP), employment and international trade earnings. Nevertheless, whereas noting the sector’s phenomenal efficiency, the tourism minister additionally cautioned that “we should always not lose sight of the significance of sustainable and accountable tourism practices, which may help shield our surroundings and enrich our native communities.”
Minister Bartlett highlighted that “current Jamaica Vacationer Board (JTB) figures point out that between January and August of 2023, Jamaica welcomed some 2.77 million guests, a 32.6% improve over the corresponding interval final 12 months. This contains 1.97 million stopover guests, up 19.7% and 801,042 cruise guests, representing a rise of 81.06%, over the identical interval final 12 months, with gross earnings of US$2.93 billion, which is a 21.8% improve in gross tourism {dollars} earned in simply these eight months.”
Jamaica Main in Put up-Pandemic Restoration
With this in thoughts, Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed the tourism minister’s sentiments, saying, “Jamaica’s record-breaking performance displays our dedication to sustainable and accountable tourism practices. We imagine 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 12 months’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 at the side of Tourism Motion Golf equipment at faculties throughout the island, beginning in Kingston on the Excelsior Excessive College 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 participating displays, exhibitions and dwell performances.
Minister Bartlett will be 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 12 months’s celebration as a mannequin of resilience and people-oriented investments.”
Different actions embrace:
Digital Data Discussion board on Tuesday, September 26
College 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.
