Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Awarded in Nairobi for Revolutionary Contributions to Global Tourism Resilience

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, was awarded the prestigious Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi on February 17, 2026, in recognition of his revolutionary contributions to global tourism resilience. His pioneering work in developing crisis management frameworks has fundamentally transformed how the tourism sector responds to global disruptions. Minister Bartlett’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting resilient tourism practices that ensure destinations can not only recover from crises but also emerge stronger. His innovative strategies, focused on crisis preparedness and recovery, have set a new standard for the tourism industry worldwide, making it more adaptable and sustainable in the face of natural disasters, pandemics, and economic shocks.

The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Minister Bartlett in acknowledgment of his tireless commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry. His efforts have transformed tourism resilience from a theoretical concept into an actionable and essential framework for nations and regions worldwide. By focusing on the development of systems that enable destinations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions, Minister Bartlett has played a vital role in safeguarding one of the world’s most important economic sectors.

Under Minister Bartlett’s leadership, tourism resilience has become a fundamental principle in sustainable development. His work has equipped countries with the tools and strategies needed to tackle challenges that threaten the stability of the tourism industry, such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic crises, and other global events that disrupt the flow of travel. As a result, the tourism sector is now better prepared to withstand and recover from such shocks, ensuring its ability to contribute to economic growth and the well-being of communities.

One of the cornerstones of Minister Bartlett’s legacy is his emphasis on international cooperation. Recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s world, he has advocated for collaboration between governments, private sectors, and global organizations to develop robust crisis management systems. His leadership in fostering these partnerships has been instrumental in building global capacity for tourism resilience. By facilitating cooperation among diverse stakeholders, Minister Bartlett has helped create a more unified and coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by the tourism industry.

Throughout his career, Minister Bartlett has championed innovative policies and strategies that promote resilience within the tourism sector. These strategies prioritize crisis preparedness and recovery, ensuring that the tourism industry remains strong and adaptable in the face of disruptions. His work has driven the creation of frameworks that encourage sustainable tourism development, while also enabling countries to respond more effectively to crises when they occur. This approach has helped minimize the economic impact of tourism-related disruptions and has provided communities with the tools they need to bounce back.

Minister Bartlett’s contributions have not been limited to policy and strategy development. He has also been a passionate advocate for capacity-building initiatives, particularly in regions where tourism is a key driver of economic activity. These initiatives are designed to empower communities to not only recover from crises but also to become more resilient in the long term. By strengthening local communities and creating systems that support sustainable tourism, Minister Bartlett’s work has helped ensure that tourism remains a stable and reliable source of income and employment.

Upon accepting the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award, Minister Bartlett expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his commitment to advancing resilient tourism systems. He highlighted the necessity for continued global collaboration to address the evolving challenges the industry faces. Minister Bartlett called for the creation of adaptive frameworks that are capable of responding to emerging threats and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.

His acceptance speech underscored the importance of engaging all sectors of society in building more resilient tourism systems. From governments to local communities, Minister Bartlett emphasized the need for collective action to ensure that tourism remains a driving force for economic stability, social development, and cultural exchange, even in the face of adversity. His vision for tourism resilience is one that not only seeks to recover from disruptions but also aims to transform the sector into a model of adaptability and sustainability.

The recognition of Minister Bartlett with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to his tireless dedication to the tourism industry. His work has set a global standard for resilience and has inspired tourism professionals, policymakers, and communities around the world to continue working toward building a more robust and sustainable tourism sector. As the world continues to grapple with unforeseen challenges, Minister Bartlett’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for future efforts in fostering a resilient and thriving tourism industry.

“This award is testament to the enduring and vigorous work that we have been doing through the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in Jamaica. I thank all our public and private partners who understand the importance a resilient tourism industry,” the Minister added.

“His efforts have strengthened partnerships among governments, private sector stakeholders, and global institutions, promoting strategies that support recovery, sustainability, and inclusive growth across many tourism-dependent economies. This is a huge win for the Minister and Jamaica,” said Professor Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.

The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon individuals whose impactful contributions have fundamentally reshaped and left an enduring legacy on the global tourism sector.

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