On the Occasion of the “Digital Transformation for Building Overall Tourism Resilience” Conference Greetings to all distinguished guests, partners, and stakeholders joining us for this seminal conference here in Negril, Jamaica. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to “Digital Transformation for Building Overall Tourism Resilience,” a gathering that stands as both a testament to our collective achievements and a vision for the future of global tourism.
This event holds special significance as we also mark Tourism Resilience Day, an initiative championed by the Government of Jamaica in partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). What began as a call to fortify our sector against unforeseen disruptions has grown into a worldwide movement—one that recognizes the vital role that technology plays in helping destinations adapt, recover, and thrive in an everchanging global landscape.
The GTRCMC’s expansion into eight countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa attests to the profound impact of our research, crisis management strategies, and capacity-building programs. By sharing knowledge and resources internationally, the Centre has fostered a spirit of collaboration that is critical to building genuine and lasting resilience.
Of particular relevance to this conference is the thought leadership the GTRCMC has spearheaded in digital innovation—spanning tools such as Big Data, AI, IoT, and Robotics. In our recently published book, co-authored by Professor Lloyd Waller and myself, we explore how these technologies can shape tourism in the years ahead. We offer practical frameworks that destinations can leverage to enhance visitor experiences, maintain competitiveness, and safeguard environmental and cultural assets.
I encourage every attendee to take advantage of the wealth of expertise being shared over these days. Let us seize this opportunity to forge new partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and chart a bold course forward that embraces digital technologies as an integral part of tourism’s resilient and inclusive future.
Hon. Edmund Bartlett
Minister of Tourism, Jamaica and Founder/ Co-Chair of
GTRCMC
