Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Minneapolis is the 4th worst city in post-pandemic recovery. Can the new Minneapolis Trolley Tours help rebrand a struggling Minneapolis as a “safe place with fun things to do?”Years after the pandemic and social unrest, and currently beset by high crime, Minneapolis is struggling:
Still 13.8% off pre-pandemic airline traffic into MSP41% off pre-pandemic foot traffic Downtown, worse than almost any other citybottom percentile on almost all major growth indicators, both City and StateOut of the vacuum a new tourist trolley is reshaping perceptions downtown. “[Minneapolis Trolley Tours] is the best thing for downtown since they built US Bank Stadium,” said Sam Turner, owner of Nicollet Diner a new restaurant and entertainment complex in Minneapolis.
How is that?Minneapolis Trolley Tours:
First ever regular route tourist trolley company in MinneapolisOnly regional trolley company open year-roundHas extensive collaboration with hospitality, breweries, restaurants, and wineriesWide array of trolley tours highlighting attractions and things to do in MinneapolisEntertaining city tours like Ghost Tours and True Crimes Tours,Informative tours like Scenic Tours, Historical Tours and Architectural Tours.Experiential Tours to breweries, wineries, restaurants and distilleriesLoop routes for Hop-On Hop-Off trolley tours“It is a game changer and has completely revitalized our Bed and Breakfast business,” says Norman Kulba proprietor of 300 Clifton B&B. The owners of Minneapolis Trolley Tours are hospitality veterans and know first hand how Minneapolis has struggled with safety and the perception of safety. The new trolley is now a welcoming and reassuring symbol in downtown neighborhoods.
Beyond optics, in the past six months since its inception, Minneapolis Trolley Tours drew thousands of visitors into Minneapolis. The Candlelight Ghost Tour is the most popular and has already grown a cult following. Ghost aficionados have come from around the country specifically to experience the acclaimed ghost tour. ADVERTISEMENTMinneapolis impacts the broader state and region. A vibrant and flourishing Minneapolis is the gateway for tourists into the rest of the state, and sets the tone for the Midwest. Minneapolis Trolley Tours is quickly reshaping perceptions of the city
Industry professionals: Get a complimentary tour ticket and learn how the trolley can help rebrand Minneapolis. Contact [email protected]Travelers: Hop on board and discover the magic of Minneapolis (and maybe meet a few friendly ghosts)!

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Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce that the Turks and Caicos Islands has once again been nominated in multiple categories in the World Travel Awards.The nominations for the 2024 Awards are in the following categories:
Caribbean’s Leading Beach DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Cruise DestinationCaribbean’s Leading DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Dive DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Island DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Tourist BoardCaribbean’s Most Romantic Destination
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said she is very pleased that the Turksand Caicos Islands have once again been nominated for several World Travel Awards.“The Turks and Caicos Islands stand as an unparalleled jewel in the Caribbean and these eightnominations testify to that. We won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and the MostRomantic Destination Awards in 2023 and I am certain we can not only retain those accoladesbut also emerge as winners in the other categories. I urge everyone to spread the word about ournominations and vote, vote, vote,” she said.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination every singleyear since 2015 and our world-renowned Grace Bay Beach captured the Best Beach Award from2012 to 2014. The destination has celebrated wins as the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destinationfor five consecutive years.
Voting is now open and runs until April 7th, 2024. To vote, please register athttps://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. Please note that a standard vote carries a weighting ofone while votes cast by verified travel professionals carry a weighting of two.ADVERTISEMENT

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the opening of participation for MATTA 2024 which is held for Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region from 22-24 March 2024. The participation opportunities are limited in consideration to the space available in the event.
Visit Maldives aims to showcase Maldives as the most preferred holiday destination in the Southeast Asian region, highlighting our rich culture and heritage during this three-day event. Aligned with our strategies to strengthen the Maldives brand and destination presence, Visit Maldives aims to engage with key travel trade partners in the market to elevate the impact of Maldives tourism industry. MMPRC’s participation in MATTA provides significant opportunities to promote halal tourism, targeting travellers in this market. Additionally, the Maldives stand this year incorporates semi-private meeting tables instead of counters with a variety of exciting features.
The Malaysian market holds immense potential for the Maldives. In the previous year, it ranked 26th as a source market with a notable 13,551 arrivals. Participation in this fair presents an excellent opportunity to further boost arrivals from this region and achieve significant growth.
Interested tourism industry companies who would like to take part in this event with Visit Maldives can participate via our Members Portal (members.visitmaldives.com) before 1500 hours on Wednesday, 28th February 2024. Please ensure that membership renewal/registration for 2024 is completed to be eligible for participation.

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Iglu Ski has researched the top destinations for skiing in France in April, and today confirms the top 8 in the country.
The team has multiplied the total number of bluebird (sunny) days with the average weekly snowfall (based on historical snowfall data*) to derive an April skiing score for each of the most popular French ski resorts.The results show that Chamonix is top of the league for skiing in France in April.

Here’s how to get there: Iglu Ski offers 7 nights from £1,109 (was £1,268) per person based on two sharing a twin room with valley view, on half board at the 4* Hotel Les Aiglons, Chamonix, France, departing on April 6, 2024 from Manchester (+£100 Gatwick; +£100 Glasgow; +£100 Stansted; +£100 Birmingham; +£129 Leeds Bradford;  +£169 Newcastle) and including transfers.
1. Chamonix – scores 173.6 ADVERTISEMENTAverage weekly sunny days
6.2
Average weekly snowfall
28cm
Resort height: 1035m
Highest lift: 3777m
Average April snow depth: 119cm
Closing date: Early May
When it comes to sun and snow, Chamonix and its surrounding areas is the clear winner, offering not just an average 28cm of fresh powder per week, but a glorious 6.2 days of sun, 2.5 of which are bluebird powder days.
This traditional Alpine town is home to France’s oldest ski resort, and thanks to its lively après scene, it’s especially popular with off-pisters who like to unwind after a day of laying fresh tracks in the backcountry.
Advanced skiers will particularly enjoy Argentiere, which boasts mainly north-facing slopes that are open until early May, and Les Praz, which offers lift access to Chamonix’s more challenging runs.
2. Les Deux Alpes –  scores 169
Average weekly sunny days
6.5
Average weekly snowfall
26cm
Resort height: 1651m
Highest lift: 3600m
Average April snow depth: 87cm
Closing date: Last week of April
Straddling two glorious peaks, the appropriately-named Les Deux Alpes really does offer something for everyone. Across its 200km of slopes, you’ll find excellent beginner routes, especially up on the glacier, as well as world-class freestyle and off-piste opportunities.
With mostly south-facing slopes, you’ll be able to make the most of the spring sunshine, whilst also enjoying its reliable snowfall.
3. Les Arcs – scores 147.2
Average weekly sunny days
6.4
Average weekly snowfall
23cm
Resort height: Arc 2000, Arc 1950, and Arc 1800 are the highest resort levels
Highest lift: 3250m
Average April snow depth: 204cm
Closing date: Late April
All linked by the Vanoise Express – an impressive double decker cable car – and an efficient transport network, Les Arcs and the Paradiski area offers a generous 425km of pistes, great for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
If you want maximum convenience, opt to stay in the popular Les Arcs 1800 village, with ski-in-ski-out chalets, great restaurants and plenty of family-friendly activities. The altitude promises snow, and there’s outstanding scenery to enjoy on those bluebird days.
4. La Rosière – scores 103
Average weekly sunny days
4.7
Average weekly snowfall
22cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 2800m
Average April snow depth: 164cm
Closing date: Mid-April
If you’re planning an Easter holiday trip, La Rosière is perfect for families. This quieter, relatively small resort forms the San Bernardo ski area with La Thuile in Italy, offering mostly nursery, blue and red runs across its 160km of slopes.
La Rosière has a great track record for snow all season and thanks to the lack of crowds, the powder doesn’t get as churned up as other French resorts, making it a great choice for an April ski holiday.
5. La Plagne – scores 81.6
Average weekly sunny days
4.8
Average weekly snowfall
17cm
Resort height: 2100m
Highest lift: 3250m
Average April snow depth: 162cm
Closing date: Late April
La Plagne is the quieter, often cheaper, and more family-friendly part of the Paradiski area. Catering to all abilities, there’s challenging terrain to be found up near the glacier, while wide blues and reds across the rest of the resort keep intermediates and beginners happy.
While there’s après to be found, jump on the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs if you’re after some proper early afternoon partying (the Folie Douce starts bouncing from lunch time), and to enjoy the full 425km of slopes.
Just make sure you return to Peisey Vallandry in time for the last Vanoise Express lift back to La Plagne.
6. Alpe d’Huez – scores 80
Average weekly sunny days
4
Average weekly snowfall
20cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 3300m
Average April snow depth: 95cm
Closing date: Mid-April
With an average 300 days of sunshine per year, 249km of south-facing slopes, and an impressive altitude, Alpe d’Huez is a great April ski destination for sun-seekers. It offers runs for all abilities, as well as 4 snow parks for the freestyle-inclined, and a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants, cinemas, and more.
7. Val d’Isère – scores 74.4
Average weekly sunny days
2.4
Average weekly snowfall
31cm
Resort height: 1850m
Highest lift: 3450m
Average April snow depth: 276cm
Closing date: Early May
Val d’Isère offers a vast 300km ski area, great snow year round and a buzzing après scene. A pretty Alpine town, its reputation as a high-end ski destination is deserved, but there’s still a variety of accommodation on offer and good deals to be found.
Val d’Isère is linked to the even loftier (and therefore often cloudier) resort of Tignes, which is more beginner friendly and tends to be more affordable. With the lower slopes in Val d’Isère getting quite slushy and mogul-heavy towards the end of the day, head up high to enjoy the best of the April conditions.
8. Val Thorens – scores 63.8
Average weekly sunny days
2.9
Average weekly snowfall
22cm
Resort height: 2300m
Highest lift: 3230m
Average April snow depth: 183cm
Closing date: Early May
As it stands, Val Thorens comes in at number 8, thanks to its fantastic snow record but not so great clear skies – fair weather skiers will likely need to weigh up powder vs visibility here. A vast ski area with plentiful high altitude skiing, in addition to an abundance of bars and things to do, Val Thorens really is the full package.
Gordon Ritter, Head of Product and Commercial at Iglu Ski says, ‘With generous snow falls, plenty of sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, a variety of slopes and freestyle fun, there’s something for everyone across the 8 featured resorts. It means that if you are planning an April skiing trip to France, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to deciding on where to go.
If you are less concerned about the sun and more concerned about the snow conditions, you may wish to look at Val Thorens and Tignes – France’s highest resorts. They receive a fantastic amount of fresh snow in April, however are less sunny, making them less attractive to fair weather skiers.
Do remember that April skiing can vary from season to season and low altitude slopes can be unreliable when it comes to snow conditions. However, venture a bit further up, or head to the glaciers or north-facing slopes and you’re sure to find fantastic spring skiing’. 

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Home to epic landscapes, natural wonders, and Māori culture, New Zealand is a magnetic destination just begging for a solo adventure.
Departing on 14 April 2025, guests can now book Solos’ brand-new 20-night New Zealand Explorer that winds across the North and South Islands, meaning solo travellers can fully immerse themselves in the splendour of this fascinating country.Solos was founded in 1982 and now offers a wide range of holidays for globetrotters. From Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean, Uzbekistan to the UK, and Norway to the newly released New Zealand, Solos has divided its holidays into easy-to-select categories depending on interests. Whether it be Winter Sun, Discovery, Walks & Treks, Golf, or City Breaks, the only thing guests need in common is a zest for life and a desire to travel.
Solos is also keen to challenge the assumption that solo travel is purely for single people. Regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background, gender – there really is something for everyone – especially on this brand-new tour.
Beginning in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, the New Zealand Explorer begins in the Bay Of Islands, before heading down to Rotorua and Wellington. Here, guests will cruise from the North Island to the South Island, then board the TranzAlpine train that snakes into the Southern Alps towards Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continuing by coach – pausing at Milford Sound, Te Anau and Twizel, and Mount Cook National Park – to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, and – sadly – the end of the trip.
New Zealand is a country full of wonders; Solos has pulled out all the stops to include as many of these in the itinerary as possible, meaning guests can truly appreciate and understand this unique destination.ADVERTISEMENTHighlights, from beginning to end, include:
From Auckland, cross the Harbour Bridge and enter the Reed Memorial Park in Whangarei. Stroll on an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant kauri forest – many of the maturing trees are at least 500 years old.
After travelling north to Paihia (from Auckland), cruise to the Bay Of Islands – home to 144 secluded isles. Continue to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ where, conditions permitting, the boat will travel slowly through the gap before heading to the seaside settlement of Russell, full of quaint-colonial charm.
Returning to Auckland, join a sightseeing tour followed by a visit to the Auckland Museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of New Zealand and the many treasures of the Māori.
Departing Auckland, journey down through the southern suburbs, over the Bombay Hills, into the lush Waikato Valley and on to the Waitomo Cave region. Jump on a boat and navigate the famous limestone caves into the mesmerising Glow-worm Grotto – reminiscent of a magical starry-night sky.
Continue to Rotorua, where, on arrival, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, showcasing the recovery plans to bring this treasured bird back from the brink of extinction. Afterwards, join a Redwood Treewalk in Redwood Grove: comprising 21 suspension bridges connecting 22 Californian Redwoods that are 115 years old, the walkway is the ideal way to appreciate the beauty of the forest. As evening falls, learn about the Māori culture complete with a waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka in Te Po.
Travel to Taupo and admire the humungous pine forests and thundering Huka Falls – Lake Taupo is a world-renowned trout fishery and the largest lake in New Zealand.
On arrival in Wellington, take a guided tour of the city and ride the cable car to Kelburn for panoramic views of the municipality and beyond.
After cruising to Picton and travelling to Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Look out for plunging gorges, intersecting river valleys, and far reaching plains. From Arthur’s Pass, board a private coach and tour the Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Here, an optional scenic helicopter ride offers the chance to see the gnarly, icy terrain up close. 
When arriving in Queenstown, sign up to extra excursions, including jet boating, guided walks, lake cruises on a vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw, a four-wheeled drive experience focusing on filming locations used in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and even a bungee jump! Afterwards, visit Walter Peak High Country Farm and watch an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration.
Departing Queenstown early, travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Think lofty mountains, rushing streams, and native rainforest. Embark on a scenic cruise down Milford Sound, past the towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Inquisitive seals and leaping dolphins can often be seen in the clear waters; keep an eye out for them during a delicious picnic lunch on board.
Before returning to Christchurch, where the tour ends, there’s time to look around Mount Cook Village. Found in a National Park, Mount Cook reaches 3,754 metres and is the highest peak in Australasia.
In Christchurch, join a sightseeing tour of the city seeing Cathedral Square, River Avon and Hagley Park. Following this, make the most of the all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram, hopping on and off whenever wanted. As the day draws to a close, dine on fresh, local cuisine at the Curator’s House Restaurant, found in a 1920s mansion in the colourful Botanic Gardens.
Janie Burt, Managing Director of Solos, says: “After expanding our worldwide portfolio to the Oceania region, we love that we can now offer our customers this once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand. The detailed itinerary we’ve created means everyone can immerse themselves in this fantastic country and make the most of their time there. Exploring the world – or in this case, the other side of the world – with like-minded individuals is an incredible experience. It’s about connecting with fellow travellers who share a passion for adventure and discovery. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, marvelling at breath-taking landscapes, or delving into the heart of a new culture, these shared moments are what make travel truly special. If ever there was a destination to experience new places with new people – it’s New Zealand!”. 
The 20-night New Zealand Explorer, departing on 14 April 2025, costs from £7,999 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights from London Heathrow* (with a stopover in Singapore), room for sole use at a range of comfortable hotels, welcome drink, breakfast every day, one lunch and six dinners, sightseeing programme, cruises along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Islands, and Lake Wakatipu, journey on the TranzAlpine train, Māori experience in Rotorua, and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader.
*Regional flights available on request.
For more information on Solos, please visit https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/

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Inclusive Morocco, the first LGBTQ-founded and led luxury travel company in Morocco is proud to share its suggestions for celebrating International Women’s Day with substance this year, thanks to their support of female communities across Morocco. From artisanal collectives to female-led workshops and social enterprises, support for women threads through all of Inclusive Morocco’s trips and itineraries. Here, they have picked out their top choices for supporting and celebrating women across Morocco.
Artisanal creators and beauty workshops
Guests of Inclusive Morocco are always encouraged to immerse themselves fully into the traditions and heritage of the destination, and nothing reflects the history of Moroccan craft than the Anou Cooperative.
The Anou Cooperative is a collective of more than 600 Moroccan artisans, more than 90% of whom are women. Guests can participate in their workshops to understand and try their hand at some of Morocco’s best-known crafts, such as a weaving workshop in the medina of Fes. The artisans themselves earn 80% of the goods sold, and the remaining 20% is invested back into the community for training and employment to ensure a future for the craft and the women who specialise in it.
For guests more interested in the art of beauty, Inclusive Morocco also organise hands-on beauty secrets workshops in Fes. Given this is a traditionally female space, guests will naturally work with women in these workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of aromatherapy and other holistic beauty techniques, all while supporting these women and their trade.ADVERTISEMENTInspiring collectives and cooperatives
Guests of Inclusive Morocco will also get the opportunity to experience much larger projects during many of their itineraries. As part of the Echoes of the Atlas trip, guests stay overnight in Tizkmoudine village, the first regenerative hospitality project in Africa, created collaboratively by 700’000 Heures Impact and The Global Heritage Foundation. The site is fully run by women who also run a cooperative on-site using sustainable weaving techniques to create uniquely designed yet traditional items. Guests are encouraged to spend quality time with the women, meeting them over dinner to learn about their work and witness them performing their traditional heritage songs, before visiting the cooperative the next morning. This experience perfectly combines a celebration of Moroccan women’s heritage and tradition with an insight into women’s industry and craft in Morocco today.
In Marrakech, many guests cite a visit to the Amal Centre as one of the highlights of their trip. The Amal Centre is a non-profit organisation and social enterprise, founded by Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen and Oumaima Outghouli in 2012 with the goal of empowering disadvantaged women through training in culinary arts and hospitality skills. The centre offers cooking classes, catering services, and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine prepared by the women who have trained there. The Amal Centre also provides literacy and language classes and supports women in improving their lives and becoming financially independent. During and following the devastating earthquake in 2023, The Amal Centre was pivotal in providing warm meals to affected areas and communities in Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains.
Guests booking with Inclusive Morocco can not only expect to be immersed in these experiences directly but can also rest assured that they are actively contributing to Inclusive Morocco’s support of every one of the women involved, championing them as leaders in industry and showcasing their inspiring work to the wider world.Visit www.inclusivemorocco.com for more information.

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Shannon Airport had a strong growth surge in 2023 with 1.958 million passengers welcomed to the airport, a 29 per cent increase on 2022 activity. This strong performance saw the airport achieve its highest passenger numbers since 2009, 14 years ago, with growth in air services across all markets.
Passenger numbers to and from Continental Europe rose by 41 per cent to over 748k; UK traffic increased by 31 per cent recording 838k, while transatlantic passenger numbers increased by 24 per cent to 296k. These results build on the recent publication of an independent report by Oxford Economics showing that The Shannon Airport Group delivers a major contribution of almost €4 billion (€3.96bn) to Ireland’s GDP, supports over 20,300 jobs across the Irish workforce, and contributes €643m in tax revenues.
Commenting on the Group’s positive performance in 2023, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “These results are a testament to the hard work of our team across The Shannon Airport Group, the loyalty of our customers and stakeholders, and support from Government.
“Shannon Airport’s temporary inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme helped us enormously to rebuild in the aftermath of COVID-19, and in 2023, much welcome Government funding supported our airport operation.
“We have achieved much, but know we can achieve even more for our region with continued Government support. Ultimately, Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme will deliver economic benefits for Ireland, aligning as it does with the Government’s own ambitions for ensuring balanced regional development. We have been lobbying hard for this for some time and continue to do so as we await the outcome of the Government’s Mid-Term Review of the Programme due shortly.”ADVERTISEMENTShannon Airport’s service offering was boosted considerably in 2023 with new Ryanair services to destinations including Naples, Porto, Béziers and Liverpool, as well as additional capacity on some popular destinations, particularly during peak holiday times and school holidays. Another highlight was the launch of the new Aer Lingus service to the hub airport of Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Transatlantic services at Shannon received a major boost in 2023 with the launch by United Airlines of a new daily Chicago service. Passengers can look forward to even more transatlantic services in 2024 with the return of the Delta Air Lines daily seasonal service from Shannon to New York JFK beginning in May this year. This will bring the total number of US services from Shannon to five.
In addition to its airport operation, The Shannon Airport Group also owns and manages a significant property portfolio, which it uses to attract FDI and indigenous investment to the region. In 2023, The Group invested over €17 million across the Shannon Campus to provide property solutions for business and enhance airport facilities. Key projects undertaken during the year included the completion of a new €7.6 million 60,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose industrial unit, and a €6.2 million 40,000 sq. ft. R&D technology unit. The Group also completed a number of infrastructural projects at the airport, among these, rehabilitation work on an airport taxiway.
In 2023, the Group continued to execute its Sustainability Strategy, successfully attaining Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2 certification and is currently advancing towards Level 3.
Implementing its strategy to reduce its energy consumption, the Group partnered with the ESB to complete a major lighting project. This initiative, involving the replacement of over 4,000 indoor and outdoor lights with cutting-edge LED bulbs, resulted in a remarkable two-thirds reduction in the airport’s lighting energy consumption.
In addition, sixteen EV charging points were rolled out across the Campus, and eight electric vehicles were introduced at the airport as part of the Group’s commitment to transition its fleet to a low carbon alternative. The Group also unveiled a new five-year Biodiversity Action Plan. This comprehensive plan outlines a series of initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing biodiversity across the Shannon Campus.
Looking ahead, Ms Considine expressed confidence in the upcoming year; “We believe the year ahead will be positive. Our airport and commercial property activities create an environment that boosts economic growth and helps the region develop. Shannon was voted the best Irish airport brand in 2023 by Red C, and our customer focused approach will continue to be at the core of everything we do at Shannon Airport in 2024, as will growing our commercial property portfolio.”
Ms Considine also highlighted the potential for the Shannon Estuary to become a major global hub for renewable energy, focusing on offshore wind energy. “The strategic location of Shannon Airport offers huge potential for the development of sustainable aviation technology and the production of green fuel for the aviation sector, as recommended by the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce Report. We will continue to work closely with the Taskforce and Government to seize this opportunity,” she said.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (2nd left) is flanked by UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili (left); Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam (2nd right) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith during a special ceremony commemorating the second annual Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17). The event was hosted on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.”
Jamaica’s position as a leader in tourism resilience building has been further bolstered following the announcement that UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) has forged a major partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is being rebranded as the Global Tourism Resilience Centre (GTRC). It was also outlined that UN Tourism will continue to partner with Destination Jamaica in hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference moving forward.The announcements were made jointly by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili as they marked the second annual observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day (February 17) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Minister Bartlett said while Jamaica has played a pivotal role in getting February 17 designated Global Tourism Resilience Day, other countries had been an important part of the initiative. Announcing the next step, Minister Bartlett said: “Now we will be establishing the Centre as a global entity in partnership with UN Tourism. We are also announcing the establishment of a Caribbean Tourism Academy, which the UN is going to work with us on as part of their global network.”
He noted that this will pattern academies located in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Uzbekistan with another to be established in Brazil. The Jamaican academy will serve the Caribbean region.
Mr. Pololikashvili said the next move would be “to create a Tourism Resilient Fund to continue the legacy of the GTRC,” which will continue to have its headquarters in Kingston. The establishment of the fund was proposed by Minister Bartlett at last year’s staging of the event.
Meanwhile, Minister Bartlett also disclosed that he would be having bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism in charge of International Affairs, Sultan Mohammed Al Musallam “to discuss other areas of collaboration between Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”ADVERTISEMENTAs part of the Global Tourism Resilience Day celebration, participants also heard from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith and Sultan Al Musallam.
There was also an in-depth presentation by Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the topic: “Towards a Framework Document for the Future of Tourism Resilience: Findings from the JICA/GTRCMC Tourism and Resilience Futures Workshop.”
The day’s activities were held on day two of the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which explored various facets of the industry worldwide through the minds of numerous experts and ran from February 16-17, 2024 under the theme, “Navigating the Future of Tourism Resilience.” The conference is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, UN Tourism and the GTRC.

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