LONDON, England – Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett is advocating for the Commonwealth to collectively use its potential for growth in tourism to bolster economies and secure improved international standing, as he calls for a “stronger and more cohesive tourism strategy across Commonwealth nations.”

“Tourism not only transfers wealth quickly but does so in a way that directly benefits communities at all levels. When tourists arrive, they contribute immediately to local economies, bringing revenue to ordinary people,” the minister said while speaking at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, recently.

Bartlett called on the Commonwealth Secretariat to make travelling easier by enhancing visitor facilitation, open skies agreements, visa liberalization and technology integration to boost connectivity among member states.

The minister maintained that with a collective GDP of over $14 trillion in 2022, Intra-Commonwealth trade of $854 billion that same year, and a population full of young people the potential for tourism growth is exponential.

“The Commonwealth, with its 2.7 billion people across 56 diverse nations, represents one of the most potent platforms for economic collaboration in the world,” said Minister Bartlett. “Not only are we spread across continents—from Africa to the Pacific—but 60% of our population is under 29. This youth demographic represents a powerful force for innovation, adaptability, and growth in tourism,” he stressed.

Bartlett also spoke passionately about the possibilities for multi-destination tourism within the Commonwealth, highlighting not just aviation advancements that the region can harness, but the “rich cultural and social diversity that is tailor-made for experiential tourism.”

“This type of multi-destination tourism allows regions to come together to create package offerings that provide tourists with diverse experiences in one trip,” he maintained.

The ITIC Global Tourism Investment Summit is an annual gathering that brings together key stakeholders, including tourism ministers, industry leaders and potential investors, to discuss investment opportunities in sustainable tourism.