by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:20 AM ET, Mon February 23, 2026
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been honoured with the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026.
The award recognizes Bartlett’s leadership in advancing tourism resilience frameworks and crisis preparedness initiatives. Organizers cited his role in positioning resilience as a central component of sustainable tourism development, particularly in helping destinations prepare for and recover from natural disasters, economic and other global disruptions.
The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to leaders whose work has had a lasting and transformative impact on the international tourism industry.
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During his acceptance of the award, Bartlett emphasized the need for “continued global cooperation to build adaptive frameworks capable of responding to emerging challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.”
He also underscored the work of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, headquartered in Jamaica.
“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.
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Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, said the recognition reflects both Bartlett’s leadership and Jamaica’s broader impact on global tourism policy.
“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.
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