The 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo was held from February 16 to 18, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the first time this important global event took place in Africa.
The gathering brought together tourism ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and experts, mainly from Africa and the Caribbean, to discuss how the tourism sector can become stronger and better prepared for future challenges.
The event coincided with the United Nations-recognized Global Tourism Resilience Day, celebrated annually on February 17.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, demonstrating Kenya’s strong commitment to supporting a tourism industry that can withstand crises and continue to grow.
The main focus of the conference was “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation”, emphasizing the need for tourism systems that not only react to problems but also prevent them and recover quickly when crises occur.
Participants discussed real threats facing the industry today, including climate change, health emergencies, economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and risks from technology and misinformation.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Global Tourism Resilience.
This declaration provides a shared framework for countries and organizations to strengthen tourism resilience. It emphasizes the importance of integrating resilience into national tourism policies and laws, creating specialized units focused on resilience, and encouraging cooperation across different government departments.
The declaration also stresses securing funding for resilient tourism, suggesting dedicated regional funds, partnerships between governments and private companies, and innovative financing methods to protect the sector from future shocks.
Participants highlighted the role of data, technology, and innovation in spotting risks early and managing them effectively. Tools such as artificial intelligence and predictive systems were encouraged to help governments and businesses anticipate problems before they escalate.
The declaration further calls for climate-friendly and nature-friendly tourism, urging countries to protect wildlife, preserve natural areas, and reduce the environmental impact of tourism while promoting cultural heritage.Inclusion and diversity were also central to the declaration.
It encourages the active participation of women, youth, indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups in tourism planning and decision-making, ensuring that the benefits of the sector reach all members of society.
Strong international cooperation was another key point, with countries encouraged to share knowledge, best practices, and coordinated crisis responses.
The conference also marked the renewal of the tourism partnership between Kenya and Jamaica.
Originally signed in Kingston on August 5, 2019, the Memorandum of Understanding was strengthened to cover knowledge sharing, skills training, investment promotion, collaboration between private tourism businesses, joint participation in travel exhibitions, and support for sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
Both nations see tourism as a major driver for jobs, economic growth, and cultural exchange, and they aim to build systems that protect the industry against shocks while ensuring long-term benefits for their people.
Hosting this global event in Nairobi, adopting the Nairobi Declaration, and renewing the partnership with Jamaica highlights Kenya’s growing role in global tourism leadership.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to guide tourism policies and practices in many countries for years to come, showing that international cooperation can make the sector more resilient, inclusive, and prepared for future challenges.
