AFRAA, UNWTO cooperate to restart Africa Tourism
UNWTO has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) to work more closely together and strengthen the relationship between the aviation and tourism sectors.
The MoU was signed by Abderahmane Berthe, AFRAA’s secretary-general and UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvilil. Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will consult each other on matters and activities of mutual interest to develop greater connectivity and advance seamless travel across Africa. The two parties will also work together to encourage greater cooperation and dialogue between the transportation and tourism sectors within the continent.
Pololikashvili said, “Coordination and cooperation are essential for the safe restart of tourism across Africa. Closer collaboration between our sector and aviation will also help African tourism grow in the years ahead, driving economic development and providing opportunities for millions of people throughout the continent.”
Berthe stated, “Aviation and tourism are interrelated and interdependent. By signing this MoU, AFRAA and UNWTO will augment the coherence between the two sectors as well as harmonize the respective regulatory frameworks and sectorial policies.”
In the more immediate term, the new MoU is aimed at helping mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on African aviation and restarting international travel. Looking further ahead, the agreement will also help grow the overall benefits of tourism and air transport within both national and regional economies.
