In the wake of a post-COVID-19 world, we stand at the threshold of a new era in global tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped our world, ushering in an age of digital consumerism and novel experiences.
As we navigate this new landscape, understanding emerging trends and adapting to them is not just an option but a necessity for building resilience. Preparedness, now more than ever, is the benchmark of resilience. This conference is dedicated to providing a global platform for the tourism sector to prepare, plan, and pivot towards what lies ahead.
As witnessed during and after the pandemic, tourism is the world’s largest industry. However, it has also revealed tourism’s vulnerability to disruptions such as pandemics, natural disasters, and socio-political changes. The recent COVID-19 crisis, leading to a near standstill in international travel, has been a stark reminder of the fragility of the tourism ecosystem. Yet, in the face of adversity, there lies opportunity – the opportunity to build a framework for resilience that draws on science, technology, innovation, and global collaboration.
The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre stands at the forefront of these efforts, coordinating global initiatives to enhance the tourism industry's capacity to anticipate, manage, and recover from disruptions. Through our partnership with both the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica, and the United
Nations World Tourism Organization, the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, scheduled for February 17, 2024, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nairobi, Kenya, represents a pivotal moment for our industry to examine these issues, serving as both a beacon of hope and a roadmap for the future. The 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference is a testament to these endeavors, offering a confluence of ideas, strategies, and visions for a more resilient future.
The conference will feature an array of panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of tourism resilience:
Building Tourism ‘Digital’ Resilience: Delving into the transformative impact of digital innovation on the tourism sector.
- Building Tourism ‘Infrastructure’ Resilience: Strategizing to strengthen the resilience of essential tourism infrastructure.
- Women in Tourism Resilience: Spotlighting the pivotal role of women in fostering the development and resilience of the tourism sector.
- Funding Tourism Resilience: Discussing sustainable financial models to
bolster tourism resilience. - The Future of Tourism Resilience: Anticipating emerging challenges and formulating mitigation strategies for the next decade.
- Ministerial Round Table: A critical examination of current and future strategies and policies to fortify global sustainability in tourism.
As we gather in Montego Bay and Nairobi, let us unite in our commitment to reshape and fortify the tourism industry. Together, we will chart a course towards a resilient, adaptive, and sustainable future, ensuring that tourism continues to thrive as a pillar of global economies and cultures. Join us in this pivotal journey
at the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference 2024 – where we turn challenges into opportunities and forge a path towards a resilient.
Prof. Lloyd G. Waller, CD
Professor of Digital Transformation
Executive Director
Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
