Kenya is set to host the fourth Global Tourism Resilience Day conference and Expo for three days, starting from February 16 to 18.
According to a press release dated February 12, Kenya will lead the global discourse on building crisis proof tourism system. These will be done to cement the credentials of Kenya as a Pan-African.
“This will be the first time that the UN-anchored event will be hosted in Africa, with over 400 delegates and 40 expert speakers from across the world expected to grace the three-day gathering at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from February 16-18,” the press release read.
The UN sanctioned World Tourism Resilience Day will be observed on February 17 a day where the global tourist community addresses the challenges facing industry.
Kenya was elected to the UN Tourism Executive Council for 2025 to 2029 during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh last November.
The selection of the country to host the conference is an indication of recognition of the commitment to resilience, sustainability, and preparedness in the tourist sector.
The previous Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference was held in Jamaica. The first one in 2023 was in Kingston; in 2024, in Montego Bay; in 2025, in Negril.
The theme of the conference focuses on moving beyond policy dialogue and crisis response to build a system that fosters recovery and transformation across the sector globally.
“We ought to face the fact that humanity may not always be in a position to anticipate – let alone resolve – some eventualities instantly. That then makes preparedness essential if not mandatory,” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Miano stated.
She explained that the country seeks to develop systems that foster recovery and build capacity to adapt, anticipate, and transform tourism globally.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Honorable Edmund Bartlett, who established February 17 as Global Resilience Day, praised Kenya for its leadership in the movement.
Also Read: President Ruto Fires KICC Chair Irungu Nyakera
“The establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center in Nairobi in 2019 made that first statement to Africa and to the world. The fact that the United Nations has now embraced global tourism resilience as a critical point of departure is significant, with 94 countries signing off on the resolution,” Bartlett noted.
The conference is expected to produce a report launching new measurement indicators and forge cross-sectoral partnerships.
Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center- Eastern Africa was established in 2019 following a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Jamaica, and won the prestigious 2024 Global Tourism Resilience Award in London.
Also Read: Architect Behind the Iconic KICC Building David Mutiso Dies
Initiatives of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
The center has offered a paid internship abroad programme, a digital inventory of tourism products and experiences.
In addition, they have harmonized sustainability standards that serve as a regional benchmark currently.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
