Africa’s tourism is witnessing remarkable growth as new UN initiatives aim to further bolster the sector.
The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, held from July 22-24, brought together public and private sector leaders from across the region to discuss investment, cooperation, and education.
During the first quarter of 2024, Africa’s tourism arrivals increased by 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels, making the continent the second-best performer globally, just behind the Middle East.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the positive impact of tourism on the region, citing Zambia as a prime example of how tourism leads to investments and job creation.
The meeting coincided with Zambia’s celebration of 60 years of peace and independence, adding a significant layer of inspiration to the discussions.
New tourism Academies planned for Africa
At the meeting, Memorandums of Understanding were signed for the creation of the Tourism Centre of Excellence in Livingstone, Zambia and the Academy for Culinary Arts in Zimbabwe.
The Academies will add to the growing network of education centres supported by UN Tourism, helping give workers the skills they need to thrive in the sector and so drive economic growth and social opportunity. Secretary-General Pololikashviki also announced 100 scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy to each of the countries.
Technical support for African Members
Out of 50 technical cooperation projects worldwide, UN Tourism is currently working on 13 in 10 African countries covering areas such as tourism statistics, digital transformation or skills development. Several technical cooperation projects are currently being developed in the region, aligning with the five pillars of the Agenda for Africa: branding, connectivity, innovation, education, and investments. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also confirmed that UN Tourism will work with its Members across the region to develop and implement a new communication strategy designed to showcase the uniqueness of African destinations.
Additionally, Members embraced the Secretariat’s emphasis on safety and security recommendations in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa which includes a tourism police initiative in collaboration with The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
With the aim of widening the portfolio and expanding on-the-ground presence of the organization, the establishment of a new Regional Office in Marrakesh is currently under discussion.
Looking ahead, UN Tourism will hold its first joint meeting of the Regional Departments for Africa and the Americas in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from October 3-5, 2024.
This meeting will explore South-South cooperation through investments, education, cultural roots, creative industries, and innovation.
