KINGSTON, Jamaica — During a high-profile event at the recent G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Belém, Brazil, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, emphasized the critical need for G20 nations to bolster their support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that rely significantly on tourism. His remarks came during the G20 and UN Tourism side event held from September 19-20, 2024.
The theme of the meeting, “Tourism: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” highlighted the disparities in tourism revenue, with G20 countries collectively earning approximately $1.5 trillion compared to a mere $35 billion for SIDS. Minister Bartlett urged collaborative action to improve sustainable tourism practices, facilitate travel, and assist local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“To promote eco-tourism and preserve our cultural heritage, we must ensure that these islands can both captivate international tourists and foster their own economic growth,” said Bartlett.
Additionally, he reiterated his call for a Global Tourism Resilience Fund to enhance SIDS’ ability to innovate and maintain sustainability in the face of climate change and other external challenges.
The minister also took the opportunity to engage with India’s Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss strategies for Jamaica to attract travelers from India, aiming to diversify the island’s tourism market.
Bartlett’s initiative highlights a significant step toward fostering international cooperation in tourism, aiming to create a more equitable landscape for small island nations dependent on this vital sector.
