ECOWAS Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Intra-Regional Tourism and Regulatory Cooperation
In a significant initiative aimed at transforming the tourism sector, ECOWAS is working to strengthen the capabilities of tourism officials and regulators. This effort focuses on equipping them with the skills necessary to identify and implement strategies that promote intra-regional tourism within ECOWAS, while also fostering a comprehensive understanding of the policies, standards, and instruments that shape the tourism landscape.
The Directorate of Private Sector of ECOWAS, under the guidance of Mrs. Massandje TOURE-LITSE, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, conducted a four-day workshop from December 16 to 19, 2024, in Abuja. The workshop, led by Dr. Tony Luka ELUMELU, Acting Director of the Private Sector, aimed to enhance regional cooperation, facilitate networking opportunities, and bolster capacity building for the operationalization of intra-regional tourism.
Dr. Elumelu emphasized that this workshop is designed to create a harmonized regulatory framework that will elevate the tourism sector to new heights, establishing a sustainable foundation for growth and fostering unparalleled collaboration among member states. By integrating tourism into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade-in services agenda, ECOWAS envisions a future where West Africa becomes a premier tourism destination. This vision is geared towards promoting regional integration, encouraging innovation, and enhancing economic resilience across the member states. The workshop's objectives include improving compliance with tourism regulations and policies, fostering enhanced cooperation in regional tourism efforts, and building capacity to effectively implement the ECOTOUR 19-29 strategic plan.
This initiative represents a pivotal step toward cultivating a robust tourism sector that not only benefits individual nations but also contributes to the overall economic development of the West African region. By working together, ECOWAS member states aim to unlock the full potential of their tourism resources, ensuring that the region becomes a competitive player in the global tourism market.
