Tourism Minister advances Global Tourism Resilience Agenda

Jamaica will host World Travel Week, a major gathering of global tourism stakeholders, from October 10–15 at Princess Resorts in Negril. 

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the announcement at the World Travel Awards in Dubai on Sunday, calling it “a statement that Jamaica is ready, willing, and able to lead the global conversation on the future of travel.” As part of the week, Minister Bartlett also unveiled the Tourism Resilience Awards, a new initiative recognising individuals, businesses, and communities across Jamaica and the region who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity — from hurricanes and the pandemic to economic and climate shocks.

For Minister Bartlett, “tourism resilience is not an abstract concept to us. It is a lived reality,” citing the hotel workers, tour operators, and guesthouse owners who kept the industry moving through crisis. He said the initiative would help document and share best practices with destinations worldwide, noting, “World Travel Week gives us an opportunity to share that knowledge, showcase our innovation and connect with global partners on solutions that will strengthen tourism for the future.” 

Bouncing back stronger

Event Minister Bartlett has invited regional and international tourism partners, private-sector stakeholders, and academic institutions to join Jamaica for the event, promising, “this is where we will show them why Jamaica does not just recover from challenges — we bounce forward.” Director of Tourism Donovan White echoed the minister’s sentiments, saying, “Jamaica has earned its place as one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations and hosting World Travel Week will showcase our exemplary hospitality and world-class experiences.” 

The week will showcase Jamaica’s tourism achievements while demonstrating how the country has transformed its experiences with disruption into knowledge that can benefit the wider industry. World Travel Week forms part of the prestigious World Travel Awards that was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across every key sector of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.  

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised worldwide as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. World Travel Week 2026 will include the following official events: World Travel Awards; World MICE Awards; World Culinary Awards; World Social Media Awards; World Travel Tech Awards; World Cruise Awards; World Villa Awards; 10 Best Showcase; and Global Tourism Resilience Awards.