Edmund Bartlett Celebrated with Global Tourism Resilience Award
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has been honoured with the prestigious Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to building robust tourism frameworks worldwide. The award was presented on February 18, 2026, during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day ceremony by Kenya’s Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, marking a significant milestone in tourism resilience advocacy.
Jamaica’s Leadership in Tourism Resilience
Bartlett has positioned himself at the forefront of advancing tourism resilience frameworks, developing innovative strategies that have become essential in an era marked by climate change, pandemics, and economic volatility. His pioneering work has established Jamaica as a global leader in sustainable tourism development, with resilience principles now embedded throughout the Caribbean nation’s tourism infrastructure.
The minister’s comprehensive approach encompasses disaster preparedness protocols, economic diversification strategies, and community-based tourism initiatives that strengthen local economies while protecting natural resources. His vision has transformed Jamaica’s tourism sector into a model of adaptability, capable of withstanding natural disasters, market fluctuations, and global health crises while maintaining operational continuity.
Driving Global Impact with Local Initiatives
During his acceptance speech, Bartlett emphasized the urgent need for “continued global cooperation to build adaptive frameworks responsive to future challenges.” He credited the success to the groundbreaking work of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre based in Jamaica, which has become an international hub for crisis management research and training.
“This award is a testament to the enduring efforts at the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in Jamaica. I salute our public and private partners who recognize the importance of a resilient tourism industry,” Bartlett stated. The Centre has trained over 500 tourism professionals from 40 countries, sharing Jamaica’s expertise in crisis management and sustainable development practices.
Collaborative Efforts and Global Partnerships
Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, highlighted Bartlett’s transformative impact on global tourism policy. “His efforts have fortified partnerships among governments, the private sector, and global institutions,” Waller noted, emphasizing how these collaborations have fostered strategies supporting recovery, sustainability, and inclusive growth across tourism-dependent economies worldwide.
The minister’s initiatives have facilitated partnerships with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and numerous bilateral agreements that prioritize resilience planning. These collaborations have resulted in standardized crisis response protocols, shared early warning systems, and coordinated marketing recovery campaigns that benefit multiple destinations simultaneously.
A Model for Small Island Developing States
Jamaica’s proactive stance on tourism resilience, particularly as a Small Island Developing State vulnerable to climate impacts, has garnered international recognition. Bartlett’s leadership has resulted in innovative solutions, including climate-resilient infrastructure development, diversified tourism products, and community-based tourism programs that reduce dependency on traditional mass tourism models.
The resilience tourism framework developed under his guidance incorporates renewable energy systems in tourism facilities, sustainable water management practices, and biodiversity conservation programs that enhance destination appeal while building long-term sustainability. These initiatives have contributed to a 15% increase in Jamaica’s tourism revenue stability during global disruptions.
Industry Recognition and Future Outlook
The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award places renewed focus on Jamaica’s crisis preparedness capabilities and underscores the growing global demand for resilience planning in tourism. Industry experts predict that Bartlett’s methodologies will increasingly influence international tourism policies as destinations worldwide seek to build more robust and adaptable tourism economies.
Looking ahead, Bartlett’s vision includes expanding the Centre’s training programs, developing new technologies for crisis prediction and response, and creating financial mechanisms that support rapid recovery for tourism-dependent communities. These forward-thinking initiatives promise to strengthen the global tourism industry’s ability to navigate future challenges while maintaining growth and sustainability.
Conclusion
Edmund Bartlett’s recognition with the Global Tourism Resilience Award acknowledges not only his exceptional contributions to tourism development but also catalyzes a global movement toward more sustainable and resilient tourism futures. His legacy, combined with the ongoing innovations at the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, continues to shape industry standards and strengthen the tourism sector’s capacity to thrive amid uncertainty, ensuring that destinations worldwide can better serve travelers while protecting their communities and environments.
