In a world increasingly beset by climate change, geopolitical turmoil, and technological advancements, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has boldly proclaimed the dawn of the 'Age of Resilience'. This era, he argues, demands a paradigm shift in how we approach tourism, emphasizing the importance of people over properties and the need for a comprehensive, globally coordinated response to the myriad challenges facing the industry.
Bartlett's declaration comes amidst the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Canada, a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global crises. He posits that the traditional virtues rewarded by previous ages - production in the Industrial Age, connectivity in the Information Age - are no longer sufficient. Instead, the Age of Resilience will favor those who can adapt, anticipate, and transform in the face of adversity.
At the heart of this resilience lies the concept of 'adaptive capacity'. Bartlett illustrates this with the example of the 2024 Jasper wildfire, which not only destroyed livelihoods but also underscored the need for a holistic approach to tourism resilience. He argues that a destination's resilience is not solely measured by the preservation of iconic landmarks but by the ability of its people to continue living, working, and creating.
This perspective extends to the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). While AI can enhance tourism's ability to forecast and respond to crises, Bartlett warns against its potential to exacerbate inequality. He questions whether AI will empower small entrepreneurs or further benefit large corporations, and whether it will bridge the gap between data-rich and data-poor communities.
In his view, AI should serve as a tool to amplify human capability, not diminish human dignity. He advocates for 'AI sovereignty' in small states, shared data standards, and public-interest digital infrastructure to prevent communities from becoming mere data suppliers. This emphasis on human-centric AI aligns with Jamaica's own recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa in 2025, where the focus was on the broader tourism ecosystem, not just the reopening of hotels.
Bartlett's proposal for a 'Global Tourism Resilience Fund' is a cornerstone of his vision. This fund, he argues, should finance the entire cycle of preparedness, protection, recovery, and transformation. A critical component of this fund is the 'MSME Resilience Window', which would accept employment, community trust, and recovery plans as forms of collateral, recognizing the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism industry.
To realize this vision, Bartlett calls for a Canada-Caribbean Working Group on Resilience Finance, the development of new insurance and blended-finance instruments for MSMEs, and the establishment of an AI and Tourism Resilience Innovation Lab linked to the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). The GTRCMC, headquartered in Jamaica, will be transformed into a global resilience intelligence platform, integrating climate science, economics, AI, and crisis management.
In conclusion, Bartlett's call to action is a clarion call for a fundamental shift in how we approach tourism. By recognizing the importance of people, embracing technology responsibly, and fostering global cooperation, we can navigate the challenges of the Age of Resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. As he aptly puts it, 'A forest teaches that destruction is not the final word. Beneath the ash, seeds wait, roots endure, and renewal begins.' This sentiment resonates not only with the tourism industry but with nations, communities, and the very fabric of our global society.
