The Diplomat
In pursuit of its Agenda for Africa, UN Tourism brought together Members from the region last week for a meeting focused on key issues: investment, multilateral cooperation and education.
The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (22-24 July) hosted public and private sector leaders from across the region. Member States met at a time when the African tourism sector is experiencing a strong recovery. During the first quarter of 2024, arrivals increased by 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This places the continent as the second best in the world, outperforming all regions except the Middle East.
Zambia, like the African region as a whole, provides an excellent example of the positive effects of tourism, including new investment and job creation.
Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Zambia, like the entire African region, provides an excellent example of the positive effects of tourism, such as new investments and job creation. Moreover, the gathering of our Members in Livingstone coincides with Zambia’s celebration of its 60th anniversary of peace and independence, an inspiration, as the World Tourism Day we are preparing for September will revolve around the theme ‘Tourism and Peace'”.
Investments in the African tourism sector
In the last 10 years alone, Africa has attracted more than 160 greenfield tourism projects, representing a total capital investment of USD 10.7 billion and creating more than 24,000 jobs. In light of this positive trend, the Commission meeting included a special dialogue, at ministerial level, focusing on global tourism investment trends, with particular emphasis on the promising prospects for tourism in Zambia. This included information on sustainable development opportunities and strategies for attracting and securing tourism investment. Key topics discussed included sustainable tourism development strategies, improving Africa’s global tourism competitiveness, and innovation in tourism marketing and branding.
A new set of investment guidelines for Zambia was also launched at the meeting. The publication focuses on tourism and inclusive growth in Zambia, which aligns with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, and identifies opportunities for investors from around the world.
Planning new tourism academies for Africa
Memoranda of Understanding were signed at the meeting for the establishment of the Livingstone Tourism Centre of Excellence (Zambia) and the Zimbabwe Culinary Arts Academy.
These academies will add to the growing network of educational centres supported by UN Tourism, which assist workers in acquiring the relevant skills to thrive in the sector, with a view to enhancing economic growth and social opportunities. Mr. Pololikashviki, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, also announced the award of 100 scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy to each of the countries.
Technical support for African Members
Currently, 13 of the 50 technical cooperation projects worldwide run by UN Tourism are being implemented in 10 African countries. These projects cover areas such as tourism statistics, digital transformation or skills strengthening. Several technical cooperation projects are currently under development in the region under the five pillars of the Africa Agenda: branding, connectivity, innovation, education and investment. In addition, Mr. Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, confirmed that UN Tourism will work with its Members across the region towards the formulation and implementation of a new communication strategy designed to showcase the uniqueness of African destinations.
Members welcomed the Secretariat’s emphasis on the UN Tourism Agenda in terms of safety and security recommendations, including a tourism police initiative in collaboration with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
The establishment of a new Regional Office in Marrakech is also under consideration, with a view to broadening the portfolio and expanding the Organisation’s field presence.
Enhancing global collaboration
In terms of future plans, UN Tourism will hold a first joint meeting of its Regional Departments for Africa and the Americas in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from 3 to 5 October 2024. This meeting will provide an opportunity for members of both Commissions to come together and discuss South-South cooperation in the areas of investment, education, cultural roots, creative industries and innovation.
