Tourism Minister, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that His Excellency, Danilo Medina, President of the Dominican Republic, will headline a slate of distinguished speakers who will address the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development Conference, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, November 27-29.

President Medina is an enthusiastic campaigner for the growth of tourism in his country and has pledged to increase the number of international tourists visiting the Dominican Republic to 10 million by 2022. Tourism in the Dominican Republic generates more than five million arrivals, annually. UNWTO statistics indicate that the Dominican Republic is the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean region, and ranks sixth overall in the Americas.

Minister Bartlett, as chairman of the UNWTO Board of Affiliate Members, who has played an active role in promoting the conference locally and internationally, says Jamaica is pleased to cement itself in history by hosting the decision makers of the tourism sector from around the world.
“We will also be using the opportunity to showcase our country’s sustainable tourism development practices and demonstrate how tourism contributes to the economic well-being of every Jamaican,” said Minister Bartlett.

Alexandre Meira da Rosa, IDB Vice-President for Countries, is scheduled to deliver welcoming remarks. His office is responsible for leading the Bank’s dialogue and relationships with borrowing countries; coordinating and supervising the development of the operational program for the public sector; and providing support to the development of the non-sovereign guaranteed program.
Another distinguished presenter will be James Scriven, chief executive officer of the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC). In that capacity, he oversees the implementation of the IIC’s expanded mandate under a renewed vision for private sector operations endorsed by shareholders.

Other speakers will include: Gloria Guevara Manzo, President of the World Travel and Tourism Council; Eduardo Fayos Sola, Expert on the Future of Tourism and His Excellency, Dr Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General.

Jamaica will welcome approximately one thousand delegates from more than 150 countries to discuss tourism sustainability during the Montego Bay conference.

Organised within the context of the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the conference aims to support changes in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector; and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The World Bank Group and donor countries, through their specific investment agencies, are participating in the conference through panels that will explore various areas of sustainability; and, how projects and financing can be generated for small and medium players in the global tourism sector.
The conference will also facilitate technical visits to local community tourism enterprises, such as: Rasta Indigenous Village, Cockpit Country Adventure Tours and the Bunkers Hill Cultural X-perience & River Tour. These attractions were selected to showcase the biological diversity of Jamaica’s natural environment, rich history and culture.

International sponsors of the Montego Bay Conference include Chemonics International, Inter-American Development Bank, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Airbnb. Local sponsors include Chukka Caribbean Adventures, MBJ Airports, Sandals Montego Bay, The Jamaica National Group and Carimed Limited.

Collaborators include: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), which are both instrumental in promoting the conference to tourism ministers and private sector leaders. Chemonics International, a private international development company and the George Washington University have also played a significant role in the development of the conference programme.

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ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the management and promotion of Jamaica’s tourism product. The Ministry has adopted the “New Tourism” approach to its long-term vision, which will create a government entity that is more adaptable to the ever-changing environment facing world tourism. At the core of this concept is a coherent partnership between public and private sectors; and the Jamaican people, to ensure benefits for large and small industry stakeholders.
The Ministry is leading the charge to strengthen the linkages between tourism and other sectors, such as: agriculture, manufacturing and entertainment. It will encourage Jamaicans to play their role in: improving our tourism product; and sustaining investment; as well as, modernizing and diversifying the sector, to foster growth and job creation for our fellow Jamaicans.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA NATIONAL GROUP
The story of The Jamaica National Group began in 1874 with the genesis of the pioneering organization that was later to become Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).
Committed to its code of “mutuality,” its mission is to improve the financial strength of its membership. Propelled by insightful leadership, mergers and acquisitions, The JN Group has evolved to meet the diverse and growing needs of Jamaicans locally and throughout the Diaspora.
Today, the JN Group serves with excellence. Each company operates in accordance with the regulations of its region and industry. All companies offer a variety of innovative, high value products and services and are numbered among the most and throughout the Diaspora.

Today, the JN Group serves with excellence. Each company operates in accordance with the regulations of its region and industry. All companies offer a variety of innovative, high value products and services and are numbered among the most successful in their respective sectors.

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
As the leading international organisation in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability; and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
UNWTO generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, fosters tourism education and training, and works to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in more than 100 countries around the world.
UNWTO’s membership includes 157 countries; six Associate Members; and 500 Affiliate Members, representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
IMAGES:
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett
President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Danilo Medina
IDB Vice-President for Countries, Mr. Alexandre Meira da Rosa
Chief executive officer of the Inter- American Investment Corporation (IIC) Mr. James Scriven