Seychelles Champions Digital Tourism and Heritage at UNWTO’s 68th CAF Meeting
The Seychelles delegation, led by Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and PS Sherin Francis, actively participated in the 68th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 11th-13th, 2025. This high-level gathering brought together tourism leaders to chart the future of Africa’s travel sector, emphasizing digital skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. Travel professionals across Africa should note the Seychelles’ proactive engagement in shaping regional tourism strategies.
A key focus of the 68th CAF meeting was the integration of technology and AI in tourism. A subsequent Thematic Conference explored how these tools can boost social impact, enhance education, and preserve Africa’s rich heritage. This aligns with a broader continental trend towards digital transformation, offering exciting opportunities for travel agents to leverage innovative solutions.
The Seychelles delegation showcased its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism growth, contributing to discussions on key issues shaping the African travel landscape. This vision resonates with the growing demand for responsible travel experiences, presenting new avenues for collaboration between African tourism stakeholders.
Seychelles’ bid for a seat on the UNWTO Executive Council (2025-2029) and its proposal to host the 69th CAF meeting in 2026 underscore the nation’s leadership in regional tourism development. These strategic moves signal Seychelles’ dedication to shaping the future of African travel, creating potential partnerships and collaborations for other African nations.
The 68th CAF meeting served as a platform for aligning policies, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration across Africa. This collaborative spirit is crucial for navigating global challenges and driving collective recovery efforts within the tourism sector. African travel agents can benefit from this regional cooperation by exploring joint ventures and cross-border tourism initiatives.
Discussions highlighted the importance of innovation, digital transformation, and investment in African tourism. Initiatives like the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa and workshops on AI and creative industries empower the continent to leverage technology for sustainable growth. Travel professionals should consider integrating these technological advancements into their services to enhance competitiveness and cater to evolving traveler preferences.
Education, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion were also prominent themes, with new training programs and tourism academies aimed at equipping young people and women with essential skills. This focus on capacity building presents opportunities for travel agencies to invest in training and development, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future of the industry.
The meeting recognized the vital role of creative industries – music, film, fashion, and cuisine – in driving cultural tourism and strengthening Africa’s global brand. Travel agents can capitalize on this trend by curating unique cultural experiences and promoting authentic local offerings to attract a wider range of tourists.
The election of African Member States to key UNWTO positions during the CAF meeting ensures regional representation in global tourism governance. This reinforces Africa’s voice on the international stage, creating a more favorable environment for the growth and development of the continent’s travel sector.
The overarching theme of the 68th CAF meeting was the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive tourism growth. This aligns with global trends and consumer demand for responsible travel, offering African travel agents a chance to position themselves as leaders in sustainable tourism practices.
