The soon to be developed Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre will have both the Prime Minster of Jamaica, and the President of Malta, as honorary chairmen.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced today (Oct 28) that PM Andrew Holness and President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, accepted the role.

The announcement follows Bartlett’s recent meeting with the President of Malta to discuss the country’s possible participation and collaboration, in the global tourism resilience and crisis management centre.

The centre, which will be housed at the University of the West Indies, Mona, is being designed to help vulnerable states across the world, to recover quickly from natural disasters.

It will specifically target destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that threaten economies and livelihoods globally, with real time data and effective communication.

Bartlett said the acceptance of the role of honorary chairmanship highlights the partnership between two vulnerable states which will allow for deeper dialogue on building more resilient and sustainable tourism in both countries.

He said the government recognizes that the time for partnership in resilience building is now, given the increase in global disruptions such as hurricanes, earthquakes and cybercrime.

The centre will have a sustainable tourism observatory which will assist with preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions.

It will also support policymakers and businesses develop better strategies to support a more competitive global tourism sector.

The official launch of the global tourism resilience and crisis management centre is scheduled for next January during the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.