ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) —Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the record 1,500 delegates in attendance at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Global Conference in Montego Bay is testament to the region’s prowess in tourism.

Delivering the keynote address to a packed Montego Bay Convention Centre, in Rose Hall, St James today, the prime minister said that it speaks volume that all the important players in the cruise, travel and land-based sectors can convene under one roof to discuss the business of tourism.

“It is indeed an honour for the Government of Jamaica, along with the UNWTO, the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank, to host this historic global conference,” he said.

“This event is truly a remarkable success as the numbers have surpassed all expectations. It is also the first world conference on tourism to be held in the Caribbean, and indeed the Western Hemisphere,” Holness noted.

The prime minister said this is the right place and the right time to make the right connections and show the effectiveness of strong partnerships.

“With over 1,500 participants from over 60 countries registered, the convening of tourism stalwarts, government and non-government representatives, and other partners from across the globe at this conference positions Jamaica and the Caribbean as serious players in the business of tourism,” he said.

“I am sure the dialogue here will positively impact the future of the tourism industry globally. I am sure the discussions here will open minds, deepen understanding, strengthen resolve, create links and partnerships and ultimately inspire action,” the prime minister added.

Holness noted that recently Jamaica also hosted the 2017 International Monetary Fund High Level Caribbean Forum, and that one of the major discussion points emerging was the need to transition from focusing on macroeconomic stability to growth-inducing activities, and how they should be inexorably linked to promoting social inclusion and poverty reduction.

“This conference complements those discussions. We must pivot our tourism growth strategies in line with the key areas that the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development promotes —inclusive and sustainable growth; social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; cultural values, diversity and heritage; mutual understanding, peace and security,” the prime minister added.