Global policymakers, industry leaders and innovators will convene in Nairobi this February as Kenya hosts the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day, Conference and Expo, shifting the global tourism conversation decisively from crisis response to practical action.
As the global tourism industry continues to navigate an era defined by uncertainty – from climate shocks and geopolitical tensions to health crises and economic volatility – resilience is no longer a theoretical ambition. It is a practical necessity. This reality will take centre stage in Nairobi this February when global tourism leaders gather for the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day, Conference and Expo (GTRDCE) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Marked annually on 17 February, Global Tourism Resilience Day was designated by the United Nations to highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies and robust systems that enable tourism to withstand, respond to and recover from crises. Since its inception in 2023, the accompanying conference has evolved into a premier global platform for dialogue, collaboration and policy engagement on resilience building .
This year’s edition, scheduled for 16–18 February 2026, signals a decisive shift from discussion to delivery. Under the theme “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation”, the Nairobi gathering will focus squarely on how resilience can be operationalised at destination, enterprise and community levels .
From concept to execution
Previous editions of the conference examined investment, future pathways and digital transformation as pillars of resilience. In contrast, GTRDCE 2026 is designed to showcase real-world models that demonstrate how destinations are translating policy, innovation and partnerships into measurable outcomes. The emphasis is on solutions that are inclusive, scalable and capable of delivering long-term competitiveness in a rapidly changing global environment.
According to the organisers, the conference will bring together policymakers, ministers, investors, researchers, development partners and private sector leaders to interrogate what resilience looks like in practice – and how it can be financed, measured and sustained.
The programme opens on Monday, 16 February, with high-level discussions on resilience policy, local implementation and investment mobilisation. Panels will explore how governments and industry are embedding resilience into tourism planning, infrastructure development and workforce preparedness, while strengthening communication and crisis response systems .
Global Tourism Resilience Day in focus
The official Global Tourism Resilience Day will be marked on Tuesday, 17 February, with a keynote address by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Founder and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). His address, themed “Many Nations, One Africa – An African Tourism Vision”, is expected to underscore the continent’s collective role in shaping a more resilient global tourism ecosystem .
The day will also feature forward-looking conversations on the use of data, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics in crisis prevention, as well as breakout sessions focused on inclusive resilience. Dedicated labs will spotlight the roles of women, youth and indigenous communities, alongside innovations supporting wildlife, conservation and nature-based tourism .
Why Kenya, why now
Kenya’s selection as host is both strategic and symbolic. As one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, the country has demonstrated credible resilience in the face of global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate variability and security challenges. Hosting the global observance of Tourism Resilience Day in Nairobi places Kenya firmly at the heart of international efforts to reimagine tourism preparedness and recovery .
Nairobi’s status as a United Nations hub, combined with the world-class facilities of the KICC, provides an ideal setting for a convening of this scale and significance. Beyond logistics, the conference offers Kenya an opportunity to showcase community-based tourism, eco-tourism initiatives and digital innovations that are reshaping how resilience is built on the ground .
Expected outcomes and legacy
GTRDCE 2026 is designed not as a one-off event, but as a catalyst for sustained action. Expected outcomes include the release of a “Resilience in Action” Global Report, the adoption of tourism resilience indicators, and the development of policy roadmaps that integrate national strategies with community-led solutions. The conference also Seeeks to unlock new cross-sector partnerships and funding commitments that can accelerate implementation beyond the conference halls .
The final day, Wednesday, 18 February, will take delegates out of the conference room and into the field, with immersive learning visits to model resilient destinations, including Nairobi National Park and the National Museums of Kenya. These excursions are intended to ground the conversations of the previous days in lived experience and tangible practice .
As the global tourism sector looks towards 2030, the Nairobi conference arrives at a critical moment. By shifting the narrative from crisis response alone to transformative, action-oriented resilience, Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026 aims to redefine how destinations prepare for shocks – and how they emerge stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable in their aftermath
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