Message of Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa

Africa
23 Dec 2024

Dear Esteemed readers,

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.

Key events like The 67th CAF Meeting and 2nd Regional Conference on Brand Africa under the theme : Promoting Africa to unlock tourism investments and the sector's growth potential" in Livingstone, Zambia, highlighted opportunities for sustainable tourism growth. Notably, the launch of Zambia´s Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Zambia guide and the announcement of the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality marked significant steps toward developing the next generation of African tourism leaders.

In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, , highlighted culinary tourism's growing importance. Zimbabwe's efforts to create the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts demonstrate how gastronomy can promote cultural exchange and empower local communities.

The Women in Tourism Regional Congress themed: Beyond Education, Innovation and Access to Finance organized by the ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with UN Tourism, in Sierra Leone championed gender equality, innovation and access to finance, paving the way for women to lead in tourism, promoting accessible tourism for a more inclusive future.

Africa´s unified efforts under the Brand Africa initiative are redefining the continent as a premier global tourism destination, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.

The 2024 World Tourism Barometer highlighted Africa’s recovery, with countries like Tanzania, Morocco, and Mauritius reporting growth in international arrivals and tourism receipts, reflecting the continent’s increasing global appeal.

Key UN Tourism missions in the second half of 2024 helped advance Africa’s tourism agenda. In Botswana, at the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, youth entrepreneurship, the creative industries and visa openness were discussed. In Cabo Verde, at the 2nd International Conference on Rural and Nature Tourism discussions focused on diversifying tourism offerings. In Rwanda during the FIA General Assembly week, stakeholders highlighted the country’s culture and adventure tourism and the role of sports as an important segment of the sector.

Member States also had the opportunity to join an engaging session to explore the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. This session brought together stakeholders to share best practices for sustainable tourism and encouraged participation in aligning regional efforts with global sustainability goals aimed at empowering member states to build resilient and sustainable tourism sectors.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of continued progress with major events like the 2nd UN Tourism Africa Americas Summit in Zambia, the 68th CAF Meeting in Nigeria, the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, in Angola and the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Saudi Arabia.

As we conclude 2024, I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2025. Together, let´s keep building a brighter future for Africa through the power of Tourism.