The inaugural staging of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference, set to take place from February 17 to 18, will feature a well-rounded roster of high-profile panellists and moderators who will be participating in the event.

The conference, which is to be headlined by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, will showcase some of the best minds on tourism resilience and sustainability, investment and economic development.

Among the speakers will be former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who will be the keynote for the African Caribbean Summit segment of the conference on Thursday (February 16).

Other notable speakers include Luis Almagro, secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS); Cayman Islands Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan; Dr Taleb Rifai, co-chair of Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre, Dr Adam Stewart, executive chairman, Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group; and Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

There will also be strong representation from the North American, African and Caribbean regions with several ministers of tourism and industry leaders.

“I am extremely pleased to have the participation of so many respected professionals as panelists and moderators for this inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Conference,” said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.

He further noted: “It is a testament to the importance of building tourism resilience for the future through sustainable and responsible growth for Jamaica, the Caribbean, Africa and countries across the world so that their respective economies, particularly among nations that are heavily dependent on tourism as a contributor to GDP, can become more impervious to shocks.”

The speakers will discuss several issues ranging from natural disasters to health pandemics, economic recessions and shocks that can impact the industry with the goal of charting a course for increased resilience.

Other topics that will be discussed are human capital development; how to prepare for and manage future disruptions; investing in infrastructure; fostering private and public sector partnerships, the importance of air connectivity to tourism growth; and much more.

“We are indeed looking forward to the rich discussions and positive outcomes from this Conference,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, executive director of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference.

Taking place over a three-day period, the Global Tourism Resilience Conference will include panel discussions, networking opportunities, presentations and lively debates on matters of building resilience in tourism.

On February 17, Global Tourism Resilience Day will be celebrated for the first time with a Commemorative Ceremony including special performances by Jamaican entertainers, recognising the official adoption by the United Nations on February 6 of the resolution to observe the day each year.

Guests can register to attend the Global Tourism Resilience Conference here.