Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Named Co-Chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026

Jamaica is taking a leading role in shaping the future of global tourism. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been appointed Co-Chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, placing the Caribbean destination at the centre of an important international conversation about tourism, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.

The appointment is a significant recognition of Jamaica’s growing influence beyond tourism promotion. It also highlights the international impact of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which Minister Bartlett founded and co-chairs.

Jamaica Takes a Global Leadership Role in Tourism

World Economic Forum Tourism Day brings together heads of state, global business leaders, CEOs and senior tourism executives to discuss some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the travel and hospitality industries.

For Jamaica, Minister Bartlett’s appointment represents an opportunity to bring the Caribbean’s experience directly into discussions that could shape global tourism policy and investment.

Jamaica has long been one of the Caribbean’s most recognized tourism destinations, welcoming visitors for its beaches, music, culture, food, history and natural attractions. But the country’s influence in the tourism sector increasingly extends beyond its role as a destination.

Through tourism resilience initiatives and international partnerships, Jamaica has positioned itself as a voice in discussions about how destinations can prepare for unexpected disruptions.

Tourism Resilience Becomes a Global Priority

The global tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, including hurricanes and other extreme weather events, pandemics, geopolitical uncertainty, economic instability and rapid technological change.

These challenges are particularly important for Caribbean destinations, where tourism plays a major role in employment, foreign exchange earnings, investment and economic development.

Minister Bartlett has argued that tourism must be viewed as more than a leisure industry.

“Tourism is no longer just a leisure sector—it is economic infrastructure, cultural infrastructure, and resilience infrastructure for nations everywhere.”

That perspective reflects an increasingly important reality for Caribbean countries: building a resilient tourism industry is essential to protecting communities and national economies.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre

A major part of Jamaica’s international tourism leadership has been the creation of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).

Established by Minister Bartlett, the Centre was created to support tourism resilience through research, training, innovation and crisis response.

Headquartered in Jamaica, the GTRCMC works with countries and institutions around the world to help tourism-dependent economies prepare for and recover from disruptions.

According to the announcement, the Centre has expanded its reach across more than 30 countries and institutions, making it an important international resource for tourism resilience.

For the Caribbean, this work is particularly relevant.

Small island destinations can be highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, global economic disruptions and other crises that can quickly affect visitor arrivals and tourism revenue.

Three Priorities for the Future of Tourism

As co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, Minister Bartlett is expected to champion three key priorities.

1. Investing in People

The first priority is investing in people and developing culture champions who can lead innovation within the tourism industry.

Tourism is ultimately a people-driven industry. From hotel workers and tour operators to chefs, entertainers, transportation providers and cultural entrepreneurs, millions of people across the Caribbean depend on tourism.

Developing skills and empowering local communities can help destinations become more competitive while ensuring that tourism benefits the people who live there.

2. Investing in Data

The second priority is the use of data and real-time intelligence to better understand global risks.

Access to accurate information can help destinations identify emerging threats and respond more quickly when crises occur.

For Caribbean tourism markets, stronger data systems could play an important role in preparing for hurricanes, extreme weather, changing travel patterns and other disruptions.

3. Investing in Global Solidarity

The third priority is international cooperation.

Minister Bartlett’s vision is that no tourism destination should have to face a major crisis alone.

That approach is particularly meaningful for smaller Caribbean nations, where a major hurricane, health crisis or economic shock can have an immediate impact on the tourism sector.

Greater cooperation between governments, tourism organizations, businesses and international institutions could help destinations recover faster and build stronger tourism economies.

Caribbean Solutions With Global Impact

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Minister Bartlett’s appointment is what it says about the Caribbean’s role in the global tourism industry.

For decades, Caribbean destinations have often been viewed primarily as places for visitors to enjoy beaches, resorts and warm weather.

But the region has also developed valuable expertise in managing the challenges that come with being highly tourism-dependent and exposed to climate and economic shocks.

The appointment of a Jamaican tourism minister to co-chair a major World Economic Forum tourism dialogue demonstrates how ideas and solutions developed in the Caribbean can influence conversations far beyond the region.

Jamaica’s experience with hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruptions and the ongoing challenges facing tourism-dependent communities provides an important perspective for the wider world.

What This Means for Jamaica and the Caribbean

Minister Bartlett’s appointment could further strengthen Jamaica’s profile as a global tourism leader while creating opportunities for greater Caribbean participation in international tourism discussions.

It also reinforces the importance of resilience as Caribbean destinations look toward the future.

The region’s tourism industry is evolving. Visitors are increasingly interested in authentic cultural experiences, sustainability, wellness, food, adventure and community-based tourism.

At the same time, destinations must prepare for climate change, technological disruption and changing global travel patterns.

Jamaica’s leadership at World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026 provides an opportunity to ensure that the Caribbean’s perspective remains part of those conversations.

A Moment of Caribbean Leadership

Minister Edmund Bartlett’s appointment as Co-Chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026 is more than a personal achievement. It is a recognition of Jamaica’s growing influence in global tourism and the Caribbean’s ability to contribute solutions to some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

As the world looks toward a more resilient, inclusive and innovative tourism industry, Jamaica will have a seat at the table helping shape the conversation.

And for the Caribbean, that is a significant moment.