African Tourism Ministers Unite to Propel the Continent’s Global Appeal
African Ministers of Tourism have commended UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili for his unwavering support in advancing Africa’s tourism sector. This endorsement came during key bilateral meetings at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, held alongside FITUR 2025 and the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The discussions emphasized strengthening regional collaboration, attracting vital investments, and positioning Africa as a sustainable, world-class tourism destination—exciting news for African travel agents and stakeholders.
Ministers from nations such as The Gambia, Malawi, Angola, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Tunisia presented innovative strategies to bolster tourism across the continent. Angola, for instance, reaffirmed its commitment to improving air connectivity and proposed establishing a tourism academy to enhance skills in the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, The Gambia is working closely with UN Tourism to refine its data analysis capabilities, ensuring informed decision-making for its tourism sector.
Madagascar is prioritizing technical cooperation, modernizing its tourism legislation, and exploring regional partnerships, particularly through the Vanilla Islands initiative. Additionally, improved air connectivity, including expanded flights by Emirates, is expected to boost accessibility for international visitors. On the other hand, Tunisia is focusing on long-term collaboration with UN Tourism, particularly in establishing investment guidelines, implementing training programs, and promoting accessible tourism.
Zimbabwe, fresh from hosting the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy, is now advancing plans for its Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts and will host the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability meeting in 2025. Similarly, Tanzania will take the lead by hosting the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing culinary tourism development and chef training. Meanwhile, Malawi stressed the importance of building a strong branding and communication strategy to highlight its unique offerings on the global stage.
A key theme of the discussions was fostering inclusive and accessible tourism across African destinations. Ministers explored innovative solutions to improve tourism infrastructure, ensuring that all travelers, including those with disabilities, can enjoy equitable access. These efforts align with the UN’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, which benefits both local communities and the broader economy.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the visionary leadership of Africa’s tourism ministers, emphasizing their dedication to transforming tourism into a key driver of economic and social progress. He highlighted Africa’s vast untapped potential and the critical role of collaboration in unlocking growth opportunities.
For African travel agents, these developments signal a dynamic era of growth, with opportunities to promote improved infrastructure, expanded flight connections, and diverse tourism experiences. As African nations work toward becoming more competitive and sustainable global destinations, the continent’s tourism industry is poised to flourish, creating exciting prospects for travelers and industry professionals alike.
