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Dear Friends,
I send my best wishes to you all at the end of a hugely productive and exciting year.
You will all be familiar with the most recent data. It makes clear that Africa has rebounded strongly from the impacts of the pandemic. As a region, international arrivals are now 6% above what they were in 2019, and some destinations are doing even better. This is a testament to the resilience of the sector and the hard work of those guiding tourism's development in each of our Member States.
Over the past year. I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the very best of African tourism. Myself and my team have been warmly welcomed on official visits to the region. In July, I was thrilled to welcome leaders to the 67Th meeting of our Regional Commission for Africa. Here, we launched a special Zambia-focused edition of our Tourism Doing Business guidelines, making clear the many opportunities for investors. I look forward to the launch of more Investment Guidelines focused on African destinations in the near future.
Then, just across the border, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, I tasted the present and the future of African gastronomy. Plans for an International Academy for the Culinary Arts will be a huge step forward, supporting the region's great talent and helping grow a new and exciting part of the tourism experience, both in Zimbabwe and right across the continent.
And it's not just gastronomy tourism that Africa is embracing. On my final official visit of the year to the region, I was in Kigali for the FIA General Assembly. The world leaders in motor sports, their collaboration will be key to us unlocking the massive potential of sports tourism to drive growth and economic diversification for the region.
Without doubt, we will take this momentum with us in the new year ahead. We will continue to work with all our African Member States to harness the power of innovation in the world's youngest continent, to drive up investments and to grow new areas of tourism so that everyone can benefit.
Thank you.
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Elcia Grandcourt - Director
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In 2024, Africa's tourism sector demonstrated resilience and innovation, emerging as a global leader in recovery. Through the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, initiatives have driven investments, empowered communities, and strengthened regional collaboration, unlocking the continent's vast potential.
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2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum: Building Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism Development
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In June, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea, led by Yu In Chon, organized the 2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum around the theme Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism Development in collaboration with UN Tourism. This event was held in the framework of the Korea-Africa Summit and gathered key figures from both the Republic of Korea and Africa, including Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Hon. Lola Ade-John, Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, and officials from the public and the private sector of other African UN Member States .
As the first high-level forum on tourism between Korea and Africa, the event focused on exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships aimed at fostering sustainable growth in the tourism sector. With a population of 1.4 billion and a rising middle class, African destinations are poised to attract tourists from Korea and Asia. This forum provided an essential platform to discuss ways to enhance cooperation, increase tourism-related investments, and promote people-to-people exchanges between Korea and African nations.
Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism's Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the growth potential of Africa's tourism sector and possible areas for collaboration. Speakers included Angellah Kairuki, Tanzania's Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, and PARK Jong Taek, Director-General of MCST's Tourism Policy Bureau, also participated in the discussions.
A key highlight was Nigeria's Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John, who shared insights into leveraging the cultural influence of "Nollywood," Nigeria's thriving film industry, to boost tourism, drawing parallels with Korea's own successful experiences.
The second part of the forum highlighted successful tourism policies from countries such as Seychelles, and Korea, which have promoted sustainable tourism practices. SHIM Chang Sup, from Gachon University, shared Korea's tourism policy initiatives, focusing on the role of tourism in national economic development.
The forum culminated with the "Explore Destination Africa" photo exhibition at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, showcasing 38 stunning photographs from 27 African countries. This exhibition, organized by MCST in alignment with UN Tourism's Brand Africa initiative, aimed to dispel stereotypes about Africa and present the continent as a dynamic and diverse tourism destination.
The 2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum set the stage for deeper collaboration between Korea and African UN member states, offering a valuable opportunity to drive sustainable development and strengthen tourism partnerships for the future.
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New Academies, Communications Strategy and More Investments: UN Tourism Sets Course for African Members
The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (22-24 July) welcomed public and private sector leaders from across the region. The Member States met as Africa's tourism sector experiences strong recovery. During the first quarter of 2024, arrivals were up 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This positions the continent as the second-best performer globally, surpassing all regions except the Middle East.
Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated, "Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation. Furthermore, our Members come together in Livingstone as Zambia is celebrates 60 years of peace and independence, an inspiration as we get set to mark World Tourism Day around the theme of 'tourism and peace' in September."
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UN Tourism Promotes "Brand Africa" to Unlock Investment Opportunities in Region
UN Tourism united its Member States to focus on promoting "Brand Africa" and exploring new opportunities for growth and diversification across the region.
Held within the framework of the Regional Commission for Africa, "Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the Sector's Growth Potential", brought together public and private sector leaders to identify new opportunities and find shared solutions to the most pressing challenges. The Forum formed part of UN Tourism's wider emphasis on empowering its Members to advance a new, positive narrative for the sector across the continent.
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1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit (CAF-CAM) 2 - 5 October, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents. This summit offered a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions.
Welcoming around 200 high-level participants among them 14 Ministers, representing 27 countries, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: "This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions."
Joining the UN Tourism leadership in welcoming delegates and encouraging the building of bridges between the two regions were David Collado, Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic and Chair of the Commission for the Americas, and Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron for Tourism in Zimbabwe, and First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The "Punta Cana Declaration" was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting and followed two days of shared dialogue around the key themes of education and investments into the sector. The Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.
The 2nd UN Tourism Commission for Africa & Americas Summit will be hosted by The Republic of Zambia in 2025.
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Amina Equality Concern Foundation: Advancing Inclusive Tourism and Empowerment for People with Disabilities in Sierra Leone
Aminata Bangura, Founder and CEO of Amina Equality Concern, shared valuable insights from her participation in the Technical Workshop on Finance Access, held in the framework of the Women in Tourism Regional Congress in Freetown. The workshop focused on navigating financial ecosystems, sustainable and inclusive microfinance, market and investment readiness, and scalability strategies.
Beyond presenting technical takeaways, Ms. Bangura moved the audience with her personal journey, recounting the life-changing experience of losing both legs in a car accident at the age of 18. Despite this setback, her resilience and determination led her to found Amina Equality Concern, a pioneering organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering people with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
"It is all about the mindset. I decided to turn life around instead of giving up" Ms. Bangura shared. Despite facing numerous challenges, including discrimination, she chose to use her experience and personal journey to inspire others and foster positive change.
Ms. Bangura believes that education is key to empowerment. As part of her vision, Amina Equality Concern has launched a Back-to-School Campaign, aimed at providing children with disabilities access to education and the resources needed to lift entire families out of poverty and break the cycle of dependency. The organization also helps cover school fees, including college fees, ensuring these children and youth have an equal opportunity to succeed.
In addition to its educational initiatives, Amina Equality Concern promotes accessible tourism in Sierra Leone by organizing outings and excursions for people with disabilities, offering them the opportunity to explore popular tourism sites and experience new environments outside their daily routines.
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UN Tourism Shines a Light on Investment Prospects in Zambia
UN Tourism launched a guide on sustainable tourism development in Zambia that identifies key sectors for investment. Titled "Tourism Doing Business—Investing in Zambia," the guide aims to boost economic growth nationwide.
Secretary-General Pololikashvili said "This publication will lead to greater prosperity, job creation, community empowerment, and SME expansion in Zambia. It offers a comprehensive overview of Zambia's economic, political, and social landscape, highlighting the vast opportunities within Zambia's tourism industry."
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First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 26-28 July 2024
Under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center, the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa brought together around 200 delegates from 33 countries. The event emphasized gastronomy tourism's role in boosting Africa's global presence and benefiting local communities. The Forum also featured the UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge which rewarded Gracia Bvute from Zimbabwe with her project Pabvute Gourmet for the innovative approach in addressing regional challenges in the gastronomy and tourism value chains. On the sidelines of the Forum, the Youth Photo Contest "A Journey through Zimbabwe´s Gastronomy" offered the opportunity to capture and showcase the essence of Zimbabwe's gastronomy heritage. Nokutenda Tombindo and David Sadindi were recognized as winners of the competition. Furthermore, four Chefs were named UN Tourism Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism acknowledging their efforts in promoting national cuisines and advocating for sustainable culinary practices: Yohanis Gebreyesus (Ethiopia), Adenike Adefila (Nigeria), Mounir El Arem (Tunisia), and Carl Joshua Ncube (Zimbabwe). Lastly, the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism underscored Zimbabwe's strong commitment towards nurturing young talents across the continent through capacity-building and skills development.
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Women in Tourism Regional Congress meets in Freetown to champion gender equality
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, successfully hosted a three-day Women in Tourism Regional Congress themed "Beyond empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access".
The Congress brought together over 500 participants from the public and private sectors, hospitality, and the cultural and creative industries of Sierra Leone and Africa. With a focus on gender-responsive policies and expanding access to education, mentorship, technological innovation, and finance, delegates from 12 African countries enriched the discussions: Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The event featured an engaging format with panels, fireside chats, case studies, a technical workshop, a "Family Talk" session (Fambul Tok), and cultural activities.
Under the leadership of Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, the Congress included prominent figures such as the Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, and Yvonne Aki Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, who outlined the city's goal of creating 120,000 jobs for women and youth by 2028.
Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing tourism as a vital driver of benefits and an enabler of the Big Five Game Changers. The Congress also featured contributions from the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia, the Hon. Deputy Minister for Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism of Liberia, as well as former Nigerian Minister Mr. Lai Mohammed, special advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary-General. Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Director for Africa at UN Tourism, was joined by representatives from various international organizations, including UN Women and AUDA-NEPAD, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone.
In a strong commitment to inclusivity, the Congress facilitated participation for women with physical limitations by providing sign language interpretation and encouraging women with disabilities to engage fully in all activities
The Hon. Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone, said: "Every woman has a productive space in Africa's tourism industry. So, take your space, claim it, and move."
Gender-responsive Policies, Education and Mentorship, Technological Innovation
In her video message, Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director, announced the allocation of 100 scholarships from the UN Tourism Online Academy to the Government of Sierra Leone: 50 "Introduction to Tourism Industry Management" and 50 "Introduction to International Tourism and Travel Law". This initiative addresses the urgent need for comprehensive education and skill development in the tourism sector, extending beyond traditional hospitality to include digital marketing and e-commerce, with governmental support for affordable education. Experts also highlighted the importance of enforcing gender equality policies to ensure women's representation in leadership and decision-making roles, and to foster a supportive environment for collaboration and networking. Innovative strategies leveraging social media and e-commerce were discussed as crucial tools for brand building and market engagement, while addressing the digital divide for vulnerable and geographically isolated women emerged as a priority.
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Virtual Briefing Highlights INSTO's Role in Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Africa
In November, the UN Tourism Regional Department for Africa hosted a Virtual Briefing Session on the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). The session, led by Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director of Sustainable Development of Tourism at UN Tourism and Regional Director Grandcourt, Director, brought together representatives from 12 African nations namely: Gabon, Morocco, Kenya, Cabo Verde, Rwanda, Seychelles, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to discuss the critical role of sustainability in the tourism sector. Ms. Grandcourt emphasized the importance of monitoring and managing tourism's impact through data-driven strategies, participatory approaches, and transparency. Highlighting INSTO's mission since its establishment in 2004, she underscored how observatories act as platforms for fostering innovation, promoting inclusivity, and addressing key issues such as job creation, resource management, and reducing inequalities.
Dr. Glaesser, reinforced INSTO's commitment to equipping destinations with tools to measure and manage tourism's impact through 11 mandatory issue areas ranging from energy and water management to cultural heritage preservation. The session underscored the transformative potential of sustainable tourism observatories in Africa, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. By fostering collaboration and innovation, INSTO aims to empower policymakers and tourism managers to address local challenges while advancing global sustainability goals. The event showcased the network's growing impact, highlighting how African countries are leveraging INSTO's framework to build a resilient tourism industry that benefits both communities and ecosystems.
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Best Practices in Tourism Planning for the Development and Promotion of the Gaborone Tourism Development Area
The National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana, 2022-2032, prepared by UN Tourism for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Botswana, allocated eight Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) nation-wide, presenting an overall vision and structure for tourism development in each TDA.
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Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State, Nigeria
Via the Ministry of Tourism of Nigeria, UN Tourism received a request from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development to provide technical assistance for the development of a Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State.
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Development of the Human Resources Strategy for the Tourism Sector in Seychelles
Conduct validation workshops in three islands of Seychelles to ensure that the new HR strategy prepared by UN Tourism reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of all stakeholders. By collaborating closely, the tourism sector can unleash the full potential of Seychelles' tourism sector and pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.
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Uganda Delegation Engages with UN Tourism in Knowledge Exchange
On September 9-10, a delegation from Uganda visited the UN Tourism Headquarters to showcase their Tourism Information Management System (TIMS). The delegation, composed of officials from finance, administration, and statistics departments, sought to deepen their understanding of tourism data collection methods, including the Barometer, and explore collaboration opportunities with UN Tourism.
During the visit, various presentations were made, highlighting key topics such as sustainable tourism practices, the role of data analytics in tourism performance, and technical cooperation projects. Discussions also focused on building capacity, fostering resilience in tourism, and strengthening intra-African tourism connectivity. A special focus was placed on sharing best practices for integrating sustainability and climate action into tourism development.
This visit fostered a productive exchange of knowledge and ideas, enhancing cooperation between Uganda and UN Tourism, and laying the groundwork for future collaborative efforts in the sector.
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UN Tourism Innovation and Education in Africa
Two African startups reached the finals of the 4th UN Tourism Gastronomy Startup Competition, held during the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Bahrain. The finalists, Jiranileo from Zambia, which connects travelers with local food experiences while empowering women and youth, and Garista from Morocco, offering a digital menu solution with interactive features and integrated payment options, presented their pitches at the event.
The International Forum on Technological Innovation and Tourism Investment is scheduled for 28 January 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco.
Furthermore, UN Tourism Online Academy is offering annual scholarships to Member States with medium or low Human Development Index (HDI) rankings, as defined by UNDP. In 2025, 2,000 scholarships will be awarded, with 50% allocated to 47 African countries. In 2024, 710 scholarships were granted to 17 African countries, along with an additional 1,465 supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism – Announcement Ceremony 2024
The Best Tourism Villages 2024 were officially announced at the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia in November.
In this 4th edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, selected among over 260 applications from more than 60 countries.
Among these we welcome the villages of Roches Noires and Grand Baie in Mauritius as well as Ruboni in Uganda. The last two submitted their applications in 2022 and 2021 respectively, and stand out as a clear example of achievement for receiving the recognition through the fast-track after completing the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme. Both villages received dedicated mentorship through the Upgrade Programme to improve the gaps identified in their initial candidacies and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for the recognition.
Another 20 villages were chosen in 2024 to join the Upgrade Programme. Mauritius stands out with the selection of Cap Malhereux Village to be part of the programme.
The next call for submissions in the 5th edition of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism will take place in early 2025, opening a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their initiatives and get global recognition as rural development champions.
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South African city joins UN Agencies United for the First Time to Advance Sustainable Urban Tourism at the World Urban Forum in Cairo
UN Tourism, UN-Habitat, and UNESCO came together at the 12th Edition of the World Urban Forum held in November in Cairo, Egypt to host a side event under the theme Urban Tourism: Policies and Governance for More Sustainable, Inclusive, Creative, and Resilient Cities.This is the first time that three UN Agencies joined forces to stimulate dialogue and call for cooperation to help drive sustainable urban tourism.
Mayors from Granada (Spain), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain), Madrid (Spain), and Porto (Portugal) and the Councillor Member of the Mayoral Committee – Human Settlements of Buffalo City (South Africa) shared their vision of how tourism drives economic and social development in their respective cities. They emphasized tourism's role in advancing urban infrastructure, accessibility, preserving and promoting cultural and natural assets, stimulating creative industries and regenerating neglected areas, eventually transforming their cities in better places.
Yet, they also stressed that to reach its full potential tourism must be developed sustainably across economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions and highlighted that this requires a holistic, multisectoral governance and approach that embeds tourism within the urban and territorial planning, addressing the diverse needs of all stakeholders, namely local communities.
The event served as a platform for raising awareness about the important role of polices and governance as a key element for sustainable development where good practices and concrete examples were shared.
The three UN agencies will continue exploring ways of collaboration, from tourism, territory and culture, intersection towards creating more sustainable, resilient, creative, and inclusive cities and territories.
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Disseminating STAR (Self-Assessment Tool for Assisting Rural Destinations) - Working sessions with Member States
UN Tourism has developed STAR (Self-Assessment Tool for Assisting Rural Destinations) an online self-assessment tool specifically designed for public authorities and destination managers in rural areas. STAR allows local authorities to evaluate their tourism strategies, policies and interventions, comparing them to global best practices and identifying areas for improvement as a means to boost tourism potential in rural destinations.
Launched in May 2024, the tool analyses responses across five key axes—tourism governance, sustainability, tourism development, infrastructure, and key indicators—and generates tailored recommendations that address priority areas for improvement. These recommendations align with UN Tourism guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering practical insights and links to a wealth of resources inside the United Nations ecosystem, best practices, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Additionally, it aggregates valuable information and insights at national and regional levels, enabling broader strategic planning. By encouraging the adoption of STAR in rural areas authorities, Member States can advance sustainable rural tourism, empower local communities, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable future.
During October and November, UN Tourism conducted a series of in-depth informational sessions with Member States sharing the opportunities for the use and dissemination of the tool. For the Africa region, the sessions held in English and French gathered registrations for 35 participants representing 14 countries.
For more information on concepts of the tool, its main components, who it is designed for and how to access and use it please visit the STAR open information repository: https://sites.google.com/view/untourism-star-docs/un-tourism-star-docs-home
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Official visits to Botswana and Cabo Verde
Elcia Grandcourt, Director of the Regional Department for Africa at UN Tourism, completed two impactful missions in Africa, underscoring her leadership in promoting sustainable tourism across the continent.
In Botswana, from (3-6 September), Ms. Grandcourt took part in the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, where she delivered opening remarks and moderated panels addressing tourism growth and visa openness within the framework of the AfCFTA. These discussions explored the potential of visa openness to facilitate travel and trade across Africa, contributing to tourism-driven economic development and regional integration.
In Cabo Verde, (20 September), she delivered a keynote presentation at the 2nd International Conference on Rural and Nature Tourism, held in São Nicolau. The event highlighted Cabo Verde's efforts to diversify beyond traditional sun-and-sea attractions, focusing on rural and nature-based tourism. Her participation in discussions centered on tourism as a tool for social development and peace. Key outcomes included high-level meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, which focused on setting up a sustainability centre and launching local incentives.
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G20 – South African Presidency 2025
South Africa has assumed the G20 Presidency. With the theme "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability" the G20 Tourism Agenda will build on the work previously done by the Tourism Working Group under previous G20 Presidencies, in line with the following priority areas identified by the South African Presidency.
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Four African Chefs Named UN Tourism Ambassadors for Gastronomy Tourism
During the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on July, four African chefs were appointed as UN Tourism Ambassadors for Gastronomy Tourism. This milestone celebrates their dedication to sustainable gastronomy, the promotion of African culinary traditions, and their commitment to empowering local communities.
Chef Yohanis Gebreyesus of Ethiopia has been a tireless advocate for preserving and celebrating Ethiopia's rich culinary heritage. Through his work, he inspires the next generation to embrace gastronomy as a tool for cultural pride and socio-economic development.
Chef Adenike Adefila of Nigeria is renowned for her innovative approach to modern gastronomy. By blending traditional African techniques with culinary science, she redefines how African cuisine is experienced while championing sustainable practices in the food industry.
In Tunisia, Chef Mounir El Arem has been instrumental in promoting the country's gastronomic and cultural heritage. His efforts contributed to the inclusion of several Tunisian dishes on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, highlighting the importance of preserving Tunisia's culinary traditions.
Chef Carl Joshua Ncube of Zimbabwe combines gastronomy with rural tourism. Through community-driven culinary activities in several villages across Zimbabwe, he creates sustainable income opportunities and promotes local food traditions.
Together, these ambassadors embody the transformative power of gastronomy in shaping Africa's global narrative, fostering sustainability, and driving inclusive development.
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15th (online) Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness
The Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness chaired by Kenya met online for its 15th Meeting in July. The meeting focused on the progress of the flagship initiative World Tourism Report approved by the 25th session of the General Assembly (A/RES/757(XXV)). The initiative aims at being the first Index to measure Tourism Performance and Policies at national level on the three dimensions of sustainability becoming a global reference to measure and benchmark tourism worldwide. The members of the CTC will revise and validate the progress of the initiative at agreed key stages as well as the criteria and initial Index structure of the report. The Committee was informed of the proposed timeline and key actions including the creation of an Advisory Panel to support the development of the initiative. This independent multidisciplinary external body will be composed of recognized experts with different areas of expertise relevant to the three dimensions of sustainability in tourism and the four pillars of the Report: People, Planet, Prosperity and Governance.
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UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation announce Grants for Rural Artisans in Africa
The Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme (T4RD-SGP) is transforming rural communities by providing financial assistance for innovative tourism initiatives. This programme addresses issues like depopulation and economic decline by leveraging tourism as a driver for sustainable growth.
Launched in October, the inaugural call for proposals of the programme "Colourful Cultures", enabled by TUI Care Foundation, targeted ten African countries and has generated significant interest, with over 130 applications submitted. The geographic distribution of submitted applications is as follows: Morocco (48), Tunisia (19), Tanzania (17), Rwanda (13), South Africa (11), Namibia (10), Zambia (8), Mozambique (6), Senegal (2), The Gambia (2).
This initiative emphasizes capacity building, market access, and product development, aiming to enhance income opportunities while preserving cultural heritage. Importantly, it promotes community involvement and inclusivity, particularly for women and youth, ultimately aiming to create sustainable tourism experiences that benefit local communities and travellers alike, thereby enhancing the cultural landscape of rural Africa.
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World Tourism Barometer and International Tourism Highlights 2024 by UN tourism
Latest international tourism results in Africa were featured in the November 2024 issue of the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism.
According to the latest issue of the World Tourism Barometer, Africa welcomed 6% more international arrivals in January-September 2024 than the same period of 2019. Tanzania (+43%) and Morocco (+29%) both reported double-digit growth and Kenya (+9%) also exceeded 2019 numbers.
Several countries in the region reported double-digit growth in international tourism receipts through September 2024 such as Tanzania (+50%), Morocco (+47%) and Mauritius (+45%).
The 2024 Edition of the International Tourism Highlights provides an overview of key tourism trends in trends in 2023 for the world and regions including Africa.
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Ivory Coast's beloved Attiéké, a staple made from cassava, is now on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list!
🌍 A proud moment celebrating the rich culinary traditions of West Africa.
Mauritius hosted the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) Workshop from 25-27 November, a collaborative effort organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Authority, and the TUI Care Foundation. The workshop brought together 75 key stakeholders, including tourism operators, policymakers, and environmental experts, to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste in the tourism sector and promote sustainable practices.
The workshop culminated in the certification of 35 trainers under the Train-the-Trainer Program, equipping them to lead their organisations toward plastic-free operations. Participants engaged in problem-solving exercises, developing actionable solutions such as introducing reusable amenities, creating waste-reduction standard operating procedures (SOPs), and fostering circular partnerships with local suppliers.
This initiative directly addresses the global challenge of plastic pollution while strengthening Mauritius' position as an eco-friendly destination. Visitors can anticipate a cleaner, greener environment and sustainable practices throughout their travel experience, from airports to accommodation and excursions.
The GTPI Workshop positions Mauritius as a leader in sustainable tourism in Africa, laying clear groundwork for achieving Certified Green Destination status by 2030. By fostering collaboration across the tourism value chain, it benefits the environment, enhances visitor experiences, and reinforces Mauritius' global leadership in sustainability.
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Inclusive tourism at the heart of initiatives in Djibouti
As part of the promotion of inclusive and accessible tourism, the National Tourism Agency of Djibouti organized an exceptional visit to the Moucha and Maskali Islands (29 November) for the benefit of people with disabilities or special needs.
Participants took part in adapted activities, such as diving to explore the seabed, snorkeling, safe swimming and outdoor relaxation. These experiences provided an inclusive framework, highlighting the importance of creating accessible experiences for all.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness of marine biodiversity and encourage a more inclusive tourism approach, reflecting Djibouti's commitment to promoting its natural heritage while promoting equal access and social inclusion.
A memorable experience for participants and a concrete example of inclusive tourism in Djibouti.
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Chef Carl Joshua Ncube's Rural Tourism Revolution
Renowned Zimbabwean chef and UN Tourism Ambassador Carl Joshua Ncube is launching a groundbreaking new book, Rural Tourism. This comprehensive guide aims to revitalize rural communities through the power of sustainable tourism. The book covers a wide range of topics, from understanding rural BnBs to exploring sustainable practices and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, Ncube is launching the Rural Expo platform, an online resource providing practical guidance for rural development and tourism. With its potential to empower communities and create thriving rural destinations, Rural Tourism is set to become a valuable resource for sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond.
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Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, 10th to 13thJune 2025
The Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit will be held in Kenya from 10-13 June 2025. African youth innovators are invited to submit entries for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge. In 2025, will also see the celebration of the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and the associated Awards in September, in a destination yet to be announced. African Tourism stakeholders are encouraged to submit nominations for the Awards.
Over the past eight years, the ATLF has empowered millions of African tourism stakeholders through initiatives such as the intra-Africa Business Exchange, Masterclasses, market access opportunities, revenue generation strategies, and peer learning.
The Africa Business Tourism & MICE Masterclass also provides a platform for learning, networking, and business growth in the dynamic fields of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. The 8th edition of the ABTMM will take place in July 2025 in Johannesburg. For sponsorship and partnership opportunities please contact: rejoice@africatourismpartners.com
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GROUNDBREAKING STORIES IN THE REGION
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Upcoming Events
- 2nd UN Tourism Africa Americas Summit, Livingstone, Zambia, 8-10 April 2025
- 123rd Session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, Madrid, Spain, 29-30 May 2025
- 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and Thematic Conference, 11-13 June 2025
- 2nd UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, Luanda, Angola, 22-24 July 2025
- 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, 7-11 November 2025
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The articles provided by our CAF Member States that are published in this newsletter are for general information purposes only.
The articles remain the intellectual property of their authors. By submitting them to UN Tourism, authors hereby grant UN Tourism an irrevocable, royalty-free and perpetual license right to use without restriction and reproduce all submitted materials, including without limitation the copying, transmission, distribution and publication in the UN Tourism's website and associated social-media platforms.
Except where expressly stated, the articles published in this newsletter represent the views of their respective authors and not necessarily those of UN Tourism
Under no circumstances shall UNWTO be liable for the content of such articles. The submitting CAF Member State hereby represents and warrants that he/she is the author of the article submitted to UN Tourism and shall defend and hold UN Tourism harmless from any action, claim, loss, damage, liability and/ or expense arising from or connected to the infringement of intellectual property rights and personal data with respect to the material submitted."
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