ForImmediateRelease:
Top Experts from Around the World to Gather in Hanover, Jamaica.
Tourism thought leaders from around the world will gather in Jamaica February 17 – 19, 2025, for the highly anticipated Third Annual Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo in Hanover.
Taking place at the spectacular new Princess Grand and adjacent Princess Senses, The Mangrove resorts, the conference is poised to set a pivotal stage for the future of the global tourism industry in achieving the following outcomes:
- Increased Knowledge of Digital Tools for Resilience
- Renewed Focus on Building Resilience
- Collaboration for Resilience Solutions
- Practical Resilience Case Studies
- Adoption of Crisis Management Technologies
- Introduction of Resilience-Focused Financial Tools
- Resilience in Blue Economy Management
- Policy Recommendations for Resilience
- Increased collaboration between tourism stakeholders and digital technology firms globally
“The principles of tourism resilience have guided us in Jamaica and are crucial to our ongoing success,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Minister of Tourism, Jamaica.
“As the global tourism industry continues to grow and change in the face of new challenges and disruptions, it has never been more important to tap into the expertise of leaders and innovators to collaboratively discuss issues that are central to future-proofing travel and tourism worldwide.”
Rajan Datar, celebrated host of the BBC’s award-winning “The Travel Show” will serve as emcee for the conference program. Panelists are expected to include representatives from companies such as the World Bank, UNWTO, American Airlines, Carnival, Mastercard, Chemonics, Digicel, Flow, ITIC, and IDB, among others.
Day 1 of the conference is dedicated to the practical applications of digital transformation, discussing innovations like cybersecurity, immersive realities, AI, robotics, the Metaverse, and IoT, among other technologies, to build tourism resilience. The day will also mark the observation of Global Tourism Resilience Day, a United Nations Day advocated by the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.
Day 2 will delve into the role of digital technologies in building resilience for transforming coastal tourism spaces.
On Day 3 of the conference, attendees will experience a diverse range of activities showcasing Jamaica’s resilient tourism offerings. The day includes a High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on digital technologies for resilience building and will also feature tours and expeditions exploring resilient spaces across the island, allowing participants to experience firsthand the successes in tourism infrastructure and practices.
Additionally, the third day features several gastronomic events that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica, as well as various demonstrations of the latest technologies for tourism resilience.
The three days will also feature an engaging Expo designed to create a dynamic space where digital technology firms and industry experts can showcase their latest goods and services aimed at building resilience in the tourism sector. This exhibition will provide tourism stakeholders with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that are essential for fortifying tourism against various disruptions. Participants will engage with advanced tools, software, and systems that enhance crisis management, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable tourism practices.
“In a world where disruptions, both natural and man-made, become more prevalent in the global tourism industry, this conference is fast becoming a must-attend,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMC. “It is imperative that the industry both understand and adapt to emerging trends necessary for building resilience. This conference will provide a global platform for the tourism sector to prepare, plan, and pivot towards what lies ahead.”
It is anticipated that more than 200 delegates from across the globe will be in attendance and Jamaica is prepared to provide a warm welcome.
“Tourism is the world’s largest industry, and the same holds true here in Jamaica,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “That’s why we are both excited and ready to welcome delegates to this important conference and let them experience true Jamaican hospitality.”
Attendees can register for the conference by visiting the website here.
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog here.
SEEN IN IMAGE: Hon. Edmund Bartlett (center), Minister of Tourism, addresses the media during a press briefing for the 2025 Global Tourism Resilience Conference, set to be held in Hanover from February 16-19, 2025. Joining him are Jennifer Griffith (left), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, and Professor Lloyd Waller (right), Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).
Media Contact:
Kiwayne Jacobs
Jamaica Tourist Board
Jamaica to Host 3rd annual Global Tourism Resilience Conference and Expo