Dr. The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, to Deliver Keynote Address at UCC’s 8th Annual Research Conference
Kingston, Jamaica – September 3, 2024 – The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) is pleased to announce that Dr. the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, will be the keynote speaker at the 8th Annual Research Conference, scheduled to take place on September 25 and 26, 2024. Under the theme ‘Navigating New Horizons: Innovations in Tourism for Sustainable Development’, this year’s conference promises to be a landmark event, exploring cutting-edge developments in tourism with a focus on sustainable practices.
The conference will be held both online and at UCC’s Main Campus, located at 17 Worthington Avenue, Kingston, and will feature a diverse range of activities including engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and student poster presentations. The event is set to bring together industry leaders, scholars, and students to discuss and explore the future of tourism in a rapidly evolving global landscape and with the introduction of AI.
As one of the primary leaders in global tourism, Dr. the Hon.Edmund Bartlett’s keynote address is highly anticipated. His extensive experience and innovative approach to tourism development has positioned Jamaica as a leader in sustainable tourism. His address will set the tone for the conference, offering insights into how the tourism industry can navigate new horizons in an era where sustainable practices are increasingly important.
Dr. Andrea Sutherland, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research at UCC, provided insights into the significance of this year’s theme. ‘Navigating New Horizons: Innovations in Tourism for Sustainable Development’ epitomizes UCC’s vision to provide broad-based educational opportunities through partnerships,” she explained. “We encourage our students to push the boundaries of research and actively participate in this year’s conference, gaining practical knowledge and networking in a professional environment”.
The conference will feature two main panel discussions focusing on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Tourism, and the expanding field of Medical Tourism. These panels will include industry professionals and experts who will delve into the challenges and opportunities within these sectors. In addition to the panels, there will be a series of workshops designed to enhance the research skills of participants. These include Journal Publication, Research Design and Research Methods. A unique feature of this year’s conference is the introduction of a roundtable session where members of academia will showcase their research and receive feedback from peers. The conference will also bring back the popular student poster competition, providing a platform for students to present their research and compete for exciting prizes.
Dr. Sutherland highlighted the expected impact of the conference, noting that it aims to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of research among students and faculty. “We hope to inspire a new generation of innovators with a zeal to explore new horizons of sustainable development, which aligns perfectly with this year’s theme. The UCC is committed to contributing to national development, and we believe this event will generate fresh ideas for the country’s tourism industry”, she said.
The 8th Annual Research Conference aligns with UCC’s broader goals and initiatives in tourism and sustainable development. UCC has a strong history of promoting social responsibility and leadership among its students. The institution continues to build on this foundation, integrating tourism and sustainable development into its academic and extracurricular activities.
