Ghana to host historic 70th UN Tourism Commission for Africa in 2027 Independence year
In a landmark achievement for West African tourism, Ghana has secured the rights to host the 70th session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2027, following a persuasive bid presentation delivered at the recently concluded 69th session of the Commission held in Victoria, Seychelles. The decision positions Ghana at the very centre of continental tourism diplomacy at a deeply symbolic moment in its national story.
The 2027 hosting rights carry extra significance because the gathering will coincide with Ghana's 70th Independence Anniversary, offering an extraordinary convergence of the country's proud liberation heritage and its ambitious vision for future-facing tourism leadership across Africa. For sub-Saharan Africa's travel trade, the announcement heralds a rare opportunity to witness two major continental milestones celebrated side by side on Ghanaian soil.
The three-day meeting in Seychelles, held under the theme "Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa's Tourism Growth," brought together tourism ministers, senior government officials and industry leaders from across the continent. Discussions centred on building skills, driving innovation and cementing sustainable tourism development — priorities that align closely with the workforce challenges and opportunities facing African destinations today.
Presenting Ghana's candidacy before fellow African tourism ministers and delegates, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described 2027 as "a unique and historic opportunity." She underlined Ghana's unwavering commitment to advancing tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic transformation, cultural exchange and African integration. Her message resonated with delegates who see tourism as one of the continent's most powerful engines of inclusive growth.
Drawing parallels with Seychelles' warm hosting of the 69th meeting, the Minister assured African counterparts that Ghana would offer an equally memorable stage. She spotlighted Ghana's reputation as the "gateway to Africa" — a country celebrated for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, vibrant creative arts scene, diverse tourism attractions and stable democratic environment. Delegates travelling to Ghana in 2027 can expect immersive experiences shaped by the country's festivals, music, dance, cuisine, traditional craftsmanship and the powerful stories that have defined both the nation and the wider continent.
Ms. Gomashie emphasised that hosting CAF in Ghana would strengthen collaboration among African Member States while showcasing the immense potential of African tourism to create jobs, empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage for generations to come. She confirmed the country's readiness in terms of infrastructure, hospitality, security and organisational capacity, all critical benchmarks for delivering a successful continental event of this scale.
The Minister also indicated that Ghana would use the occasion to acknowledge African solidarity around President John Dramani Mahama's international advocacy on reparatory justice, including the diplomatic efforts that led to the United Nations' recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity — a topic of increasing relevance to heritage and diaspora tourism strategies across the continent.
The 2027 gathering is expected to convene policymakers, tourism professionals, investors, creatives and private sector operators to reflect on Africa's achievements while shaping a bold agenda for the continent's tourism future. For tour operators, destination management companies and hospitality professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, the summit represents a valuable networking and business development platform, as well as a rare opportunity to influence policy direction at the highest level.
The successful bid further cements Ghana's growing profile as a leading destination for heritage, cultural and diaspora tourism, following the enormous global success of initiatives such as the "Year of Return" and "Beyond the Return." As African tourism continues to reposition itself as a driver of economic transformation, Ghana's 2027 moment will likely serve as a springboard for new partnerships, product innovation and long-term investment across the continent's tourism value chain.
