KINGSTON, Jamaica — During a recent meeting in Belém, Brazil, Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, urged G20 nations to bolster investments in capacity-building initiatives for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that heavily rely on tourism.
This appeal came during the G20 and UN Tourism side event, which took place on September 19-20, 2024, under the banner “Tourism: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” The event gathered international leaders to discuss pressing challenges facing the tourism sector, particularly in smaller economies.
Minister Bartlett highlighted the stark contrast in tourism revenue, noting that G20 countries generate approximately $1.5 trillion, while SIDS earn a mere $35 billion. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to enhance sustainable tourism practices and strengthen local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these vulnerable nations.
“To ensure that these unique islands can thrive, we must prioritize investments in eco-tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage,” Bartlett stated. “Such initiatives will not only attract tourists but will also foster economic resilience within our communities.”
In his address, Bartlett also advocated for the establishment of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund, designed to empower SIDS in their pursuit of sustainability and innovation amid climate change and other external pressures.
Moreover, the minister engaged in discussions with India’s Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, focusing on strategies to tap into India’s growing travel market as Jamaica seeks to expand its tourism footprint.
“Exploring new markets like India is crucial for diversifying our tourism sector and ensuring its long-term viability,” Bartlett concluded, reiterating the importance of international collaboration in achieving these goals.
