Value
africa
Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State, Nigeria

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State, Nigeria

In Partnership With:

Ministry of Tourism of Nigeria
Ekiti State Bureau for Tourism Development

Calendar

Duration: 16 – 24 August

Location

Ekiti, Nigeria  

Context: 

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. In consultation with the Ministry and the Ekiti State Bureau, it was agreed to field a mission of an official of UN Tourism’s Technical Cooperation and Silk Road department to prepare a detailed proposal for the development of the Master Plan. During the mission, site inspection visits were made to main tourist attractions and facilities in Ekiti State, meetings were held with key tourism stakeholders in Ekiti, visits were paid to the Governor of Ekiti State as well as to traditional leaders, including local Kings, of villages and towns near tourist attractions to exchange information and raise awareness on the potential for tourism development.

The essence of the Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State would be to provide greater direction for tourism planning in Ekiti State in the fields of product planning, diversification and management, marketing and investment promotion, and human resources development and quality. It is proposed to develop the Master Plan through a wide range of interventions, including the assessment of tourism products from an international standard perspective; the identification of more niche and higher end markets to target; co-ordination with a wider range of stakeholders in terms of investment and management; the broader planning of tourism development in the State through thematic tourism circuits, using the wide range of natural and cultural attractions in Ekiti as a catalyst for new added value tourism products, and a review of human resources and quality aspects for key sub-sectors, including cultural tourism, nature and eco-tourism, and MICE tourism.

Highlights: 

The site inspection visits and consultations with tourism stakeholders in Ekiti served to obtain detailed insights in the current level of tourism development in Ekiti State and the opportunities and challenges to be addressed through the Master Plan. The draft proposal for the Master Plan project was presented to the management of the Ekiti State Bureau for Tourism Development and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism of Nigeria, and based on the feedback received, the proposal will be completed and further arrangements will be made to launch the project. On numerous occasions during the mission, the UN Tourism Official was interviewed by local and national media, resulting in several news items in social media, newspapers and on TV. At the last evening of the mission in Ekiti, a visit was paid to the Udiroko Festival, where ten thousands of local people gather to pay tribute to the King of Ado-Ekiti, the most important monarch in the State.

Stay Tuned:

Based on the project proposal prepared during the mission, further arrangements will be made to formalize the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Nigeria and the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development for the development of the Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State. It is expected that the project will be launched in the first semester of 2025, with a mission by UN Tourism officials to attend the project inception meeting in Ekiti and to kick off the field work, followed by another mission of UN Tourism officials towards the end of the project for a validation meeting and an awareness raising seminar on the Master Plan.

As part of the project, possibilities are explored to organize a study tour to the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, a destination with similar tourist attractions and features as Iketi State and where tourism has been successfully developed over the past three decades. The study tour would serve to familiarize officials from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and the Ministry of Tourism with the experiences gained and successes achieved in the Usambara Mountains, which will provide inspiration and ideas to support tourism planning and development in Ekiti.

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Nigeria
Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Nigeria
Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Nigeria
Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Tourism Master Plan for Ekiti State

Nigeria

Related links:

Category tags
Related Content
Best Practices in Tourism Planning for the Development and Promotion of the Gaborone Tourism Development Area

Best Practices in Tourism Planning for the Development and Promotion of the Gaborone Tourism Development Area

In Partnership With:
Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Botswana:

Calendar

Duration: 24 – 29 June

Location

Greater Gaborone, Botswana 

Context: 

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.

To help implement the Tourism Master Plan, the Ministry requested UN Tourism’s technical assistance to identify suitable tourism sites for investment within the Gaborone TDA and prepare detailed development plans for the sites.

Four connected sites with high potential for urban tourism development were identified in the Centre of Gaborone, linking the Historical Core with the new Central Business District and a section along the Segoditshane River. In addition, the Old Naledi Township in the outskirts of the city was identified as the fifth site, offering good opportunities for developing community-based forms of tourism. For each of the five sites, detailed plans were developed for urban improvements and potential new developments, enhancing the attractiveness of the city for both residents and visitors.

Highlights: 

UN Tourism was on the ground in Gaborone from 24 to 29 June for site inspection visits, stakeholder consultation and verification of the findings and recommendations. During meetings and presentations, best practices were shared from successful urban tourism developments in different parts of the world, such as China, the Middle East and Spain, that can serve as examples and provide inspiration for tourism planning and development in Gaborone.

Tourism and urban planning stakeholders in Gaborone have the ambition to develop an urban tourism and recreational park along the Segoditshane River that is flowing for 14 km through Gaborone. Examples from the successful development of the 7km long Turia River Park in Valencia, being an attractive site for both residents and visitors, were shared to motivate stakeholders in Gaborone to replicate this concept when developing an urban river park along the Segoditshane River.

Stay Tuned:

A final mission of the tourism physical planner will be undertaken to Gaborone in the third quarter of 2024 to zoom in on physical planning details and complete the plans for the five urban tourism sites.

Subsequently, a next phase of the project will be launched to prepare Development Guidelines and Customized Investment Models for the four priority tourism sites in the Centre of Gaborone as well as a comprehensive Road Map for introducing sustainable community tourism in Old Naledi Township.

As part of the next phase, possibilities are explored to organize a study tour to Spain for selected tourism and urban development professionals from Gaborone to learn from urban tourism developments in cities like Madrid and Valencia, including site visits to the Madrid Rio Park and the Turia River Park in Valencia.

Greater Gaborone, Botswana

National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

Botswana
Greater Gaborone, Botswana

National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

Botswana
National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

Botswana
National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

National Tourism Master Plan for Botswana

Botswana
Category tags
Related Content
Sierra Leone and UN Tourism join forces to host Women in Tourism Regional Congress

Sierra Leone and UN Tourism join forces to host Women in Tourism Regional Congress

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, proudly announces the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, a pivotal three-day event aimed at reshaping the tourism landscape and opportunities for African women through enhanced education, technological innovation, and improved finance access.

Women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce and 70% in Africa, yet they often occupy lower-skilled, underpaid, and informal positions. According to UN Women, women undertake 2.5 times more unpaid household and care work than men, significantly limiting their financial independence and opportunities to thrive. Despite their strong presence in the tourism industry, only 25% of decision-making roles are held by women, and the gender gap widens as one looks up the leadership ladder. These statistics reveal the pressing barriers women face, including restricted access to finance, markets, technology, education, and training, further compounded by discriminatory laws and societal norms that impede their progression.

To address these challenges, and in line with SDG 5 and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, spearheaded by the UN Tourism Secretary-General, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs (MTCA) will host the inaugural Women in Tourism Regional Congress in Freetown, from 29 to 31 October 2024. Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis, the event will go beyond empowerment to equip women with actionable insights, multi-faceted support, and equitable opportunities. Core priorities include advancing mentorship and education initiatives, promoting technological innovation, and improving access to financial resources, while advocating for gender-responsive policies to propel women into leadership positions.

This Congress comes at a crucial time, aligning with Sierra Leone's newly launched 10-year National Strategic Tourism Plan, which emphasizes inclusivity through its "Tourism for All" campaign. By harnessing the full potential of women, Sierra Leone seeks to reinforce its emerging tourism industry and foster a more equitable future for all.

Driving Education and Technological Innovation

The Congress will feature dynamic panel discussions, showcase personal journeys and successful women-led initiatives, and highlight best practices and proven strategies to overcome disparities. Experts will discuss the power of mentorship and education in advancing women's careers, along with specialized training programmes that enhance leadership and industry-specific skills. In parallel, technology and innovation will take center stage as a key enabler for business growth. Women in tourism will be encouraged to embrace cutting-edge digital tools and gain expertise in areas such as digital marketing and data analytics, fostering a culture of innovation and positioning women-led businesses for success in a fast-changing market.

Technical Workshop on Finance Access

On the sideline of the Congress, a technical workshop on finance access will empower women entrepreneurs, managers and leaders of tourism businesses, representatives from women-led NGOs, and government officials involved in tourism and economic development, by enhancing their financial literacy and access to capital. Key topics will include securing microfinance and small business loans, crafting winning business plans, and developing robust financial strategies. The workshop will also sharpen participants' pitching skills and abilities to build strong investor relationships, hence equipping women-led businesses for long-term growth and sustainability.

The Women in Tourism Regional Congress will bring together women Ministers and key industry leaders, alongside women entrepreneurs, artisans, artists and performers, who form integral part of the tourism value chain. Delegates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Freetown's vibrant culture and heritage, with local craft displays and a lively open-air carnival to conclude the Congress. This celebration will emphasize the vital role of cultural and creative industries in enriching the tourism sector and empowering women.

Related Links:

Related Content
Africa and Americas Unite at Landmark Summit to Plan Shared Tourism Future

Africa and Americas Unite at Landmark Summit to Plan Shared Tourism Future

Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas have jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents.

The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas and followed two days of shared dialogue around the key themes of education and investments into the sector. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.

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

Welcoming around 200 high-level participants among them 14 Ministers, representing 27 countries (15 from the Americas and 12 from Africa), UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab 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, Ministry of Tourism, Dominican Republic, Chair of the Regional Commission for the Americas, and Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron for Tourism in Zimbabwe, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: "Africa and the Americas are endowed with rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and profound historical connections. Yet, we recognize that due to multiple challenges—such as limited connectivity, regulatory and administrative barriers, and a lack of mutual market awareness—our cross-tourism relationship is not as strong as it could and should be.

Our goal today is to address these challenges head-on, fostering collaboration that will drive economic development, promote cultural exchange, and encourage sustainable practices benefiting all our communities."

The Punta Cana Declaration

As a clear signal of South-South cooperation, the Punta Cana Declaration set out a set of shared commitments for the development of tourism as a driver of inclusive development. Through the Declaration, tourism leaders from both regions recognize the important need to "intensify joint efforts to promote sustainable development" through tourism, with a firm focus on "strategic investments, education, innovation and the creative industries".. Embodying the spirit of the landmark Punta Cana Summit, the Declaration also emphasizes the importance of tourism as a tool for the preservation of shared and unique culture and heritage.

The signatories of the Declaration signalled their intention to "redouble their efforts", most notably in the following areas:

  • Strategic investments: To strengthen public-private partnerships, stimulate investments into the sector, and prioritize investments through effective policymaking. Also, to boost connectivity between the two regions, both in terms of improved air links as well as strengthened cultural exchange.
  • Skills development and training: To prioritize investment in tourism education and training, to expand access to online and offline learning and to promote the use of innovation and new digital skills to enhance the knowledge of the tourism workforce.
  • Innovation: To support competitions for start-up enterprises and entrepreneurs in both regions, , to better support MSMEs, including in rural communities, and to promote innovative solutions focused on sustainability and climate action.
  • Creative industries: To promote the role of the cultural and creative industries in the tourism sector, including through funding for projects with the potential to attract tourists and grow new and diverse destinations and cultural routes, and to ensure the benefits the sector delivers are focused on social and inclusive development.
  • Inter-regional cooperation: To support market analysis and other research to identify potential areas of shared growth and opportunity, to develop shared strategies for tourism development, including through digital media, new products and international tourism trade fairs.

Investments and Education: "Building a better tomorrow, today"

In line with UN Tourism's wider focus on investments in tourism, the Summit brought together public and private sector leaders, alongside key representatives of financial institutions to assess the current landscape and trends and outlook for Africa and the Americas.

The high-level speakers noted the huge potential for joint investment initiatives between the two regions, emphasizing the growing role of public and private banks. The Summit also focused on the vital importance of investments for driving the green transition of tourism in both Africa and the Americas, most notably in infrastructure and in the hotel sector.

Alongside innovation, the Summit also placed the spotlight on education and training, noting the urgent need for skilled workers in both regions. With the focus on "Young Talents Leading the Transformation, tourism leaders recognized the need for joint capacity-building initiatives, curriculum development, and partnerships between academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and governmental bodies.

Related Links
Related Content
UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation Announce Grants for Rural Artisans in Africa

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation Announce Grants for Rural Artisans in Africa

  • UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation invite artisans in rural destinations across Africa to apply to the Colourful Cultures small grants initiative.
  • Applications can now be submitted for projects in Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia

UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation launch 'Colourful Cultures', a call for proposals focused on supporting the creative talent of a continent. The initiative aims to empower local artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations across selected African countries. These projects will enhance the benefits of tourism for local artists and artisans, progressing sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding cultural heritage and enhancing community empowerment and engagement.

'Colourful Cultures', enabled by the TUI Care Foundation, exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "Tourism has the potential to deliver significant socio-economic benefits in rural areas, preserving cultural heritage and creating jobs. We are proud to launch the first-ever Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme at UN Tourism. 'Colourful Cultures', enabled by the TUI Care Foundation, exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities."

Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the TUI Care Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating: "The collaboration with UN Tourism is a testament to our dedication to the sustainable development of the tourism sector. By supporting artists and artisans, we are preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic growth and social well-being in some of the world's most vulnerable communities."

Call for Applications: Supporting Artists and Artisans

Civil society and non-governmental organizations are invited to present projects that benefit artists and artisans in rural tourism destinations in Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia. Each selected project can receive a maximum grant of EUR 20,000. The programme is expected to increase the capacity of artists and artisans to tap into the tourism economy, enhance their visibility in tourism destinations, and improve the availability of support services in rural areas.

'Colourful Cultures' is part of the innovative tourism for rural development small grants programme from UN Tourism that is dedicated exclusively to leveraging tourism for sustainable development in rural areas. To kickstart the programme, the United Nations Specialized Agency has welcomed the TUI Care Foundation as its first funding partner.

The call for applications will close on 2 December.

Related Links
Category tags
Related Content

Group Chairman, Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM)

Submitted by UN Tourism on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 13:31
Calender Text
Group Chairman, Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM)
Region
Africa
Tags
WTD2024
Template
Large
Accept new registrations
Off
Allow duplicate registrants
0
Brief
Antsirabe, Vakinankaratra, Madagascar
End Date
Image
World Tourism Day - Career Event
Event custom form

CONTACT US!

Dept
COMM Dept.
Subscribe to Africa