Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has been appointed Co-Chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, set for September 26.

The appointment recognises Jamaica’s global leadership in tourism resilience, innovation and sustainable development, while positioning the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, as a key partner in shaping the future of global travel.

 Responding to the appointment, Bartlett replied, “I am deeply honoured to Co-Chair the World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026. Tourism is vital infrastructure for economies, for cultures, and for resilience.” 

 As Co-Chair, Minister Bartlett will advance three priorities: investing in people as Culture Champions, strengthening real-time global risk intelligence through data, and building greater international solidarity so that no destination faces a crisis alone.

 The event will bring together Heads of State, CEOs and global tourism leaders in Geneva, Switzerland to help set the agenda for the future of travel and hospitality.