Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has made an urgent call for G20 nations to invest in capacity building for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are heavily reliant on tourism. Minister Bartlett made the call while speaking at the G20 and UN Tourism Side Event recently, under the theme ‘Tourism: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ in the margins of the 4th G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Belém, Brazil, from September 19-20, 2024.
Highlighting the stark economic disparity where G20 nations generate nearly $1.5 trillion in tourism revenue compared to just $35 billion for SIDS, he called for collaborative efforts to enhance sustainable tourism practices, improve travel facilitation, and support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “By fostering eco-tourism and investing in cultural heritage, we can ensure that these beautiful islands not only attract global visitors but also thrive economically,” said Minister Bartlett.
He also reiterated his appeal for the establishment of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund to, among other things, help SIDS build their capacity for sustainability and innovation in the face of climate change and external shocks. Minister Bartlett further emphasised the critical role of human capital development in achieving these goals, urging G20 nations to “invest in the people of SIDS by providing training and capacity-building programs that equip them with the skills needed to navigate the complex chall.