JAMAICA will observe Tourism Awareness Week 2024 from September 22 to 28, under the theme ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told JIS News Wednesday that this year’s theme focuses on how tourism fosters understanding and harmony between nations and communities.

“‘One Love’ is a powerful expression of our love, peace and unity, mirroring our nation’s soul. Jamaica is proud to join the United Nations (UN) Tourism and the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27, embracing the theme which we have given a Jamaican twist,” he said.

Bartlett said the theme will guide activities for the week, which aim to raise awareness on the industry’s vital role as a bridge between nations and cultures.

“The main activities for Tourism Week will include daily advertorials highlighting initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies that speak to the Tourism Awareness Week’s theme. We’ll be having a regular church service on Sunday, September 22, at the Family Church on the Rock in Montego Bay, starting at 9:00 am,” he said.

On Monday, September 23, there will be the public unveiling of a mural inspired by the theme for the week, to be held on Peters Lane, downtown Kingston (downtown Artwalk).

“There will also be speaking series and storytelling competitions for tourism action clubs. These are across schools throughout Jamaica during the week. There will be a youth forum on September 25 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, starting at 9:00 am,” Bartlett said.

The forum is designed to engage students, primarily tourism action club members, from across the island in discussions around tourism’s role in fostering peace and unity.

The week will also feature a culinary event, titled, ‘Savour Jamaica’, on Thursday, September 26, at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny.

“There is no celebration of tourism without gastronomy. It’s all about the statement that Jamaica makes in terms of its culinary experiences and, of course, the Artisan Village in Falmouth will also feature in this, as it will be all authentic Jamaican experiences,” the minister said.

The ‘One Love Concert’, slated for World Tourism Day, Friday, September 27, at Devon House in St Andrew, will feature performances by local and international artistes celebrating the role of tourism in promoting peace and unity.

The concert will serve as the grand finale of Tourism Awareness Week 2024, bringing together the public, tourism partners, and various stakeholders to enjoy an evening of cultural exchange and shared experiences.