Leaders from across Africa have met in Saint Petersburg ahead of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to discuss the key issues facing the continent as it looks to grow its tourism sector and harness it as a key driver of economic development and social transformation.
Held in the historic Tauride Palace, the 62nd meeting of the
UNWTO’s Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) came on the back of the latest
Barometer from the United Nations specialized agency for sustainable and responsible
tourism. This most recent data shows that international tourist arrivals to
African destinations grew by 3% during the first six months of the year when
compared with 2018. In particular, North African destinations continue to
bounce back from recent difficulties, enjoying a 10% increase in arrivals for
the six months.
The key focus of the CAF meeting was the UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Africa. This
blueprint for the future of African tourism was launched after the UNWTO’s
African Member States requested help in drawing up plans for growing and
managing tourism and in making the sector a central driver of economic growth
and sustainable development.
Addressing the meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said:
“Africa has everything to position itself as a global tourism leader. 60% of
Africans are under the age of 25. And African cities are real hubs of
innovation, with entrepreneurs and innovators finding new ways to manage how we
travel. With a concerted approach we can expect international tourist arrivals
to Africa to reach 135 million by 2030. Together, we can ensure that this is
good news for everyone. More tourists mean more jobs, more schools and greater
protection for cultural and natural heritage.”
The African delegates will remain in St Petersburg for the 23rd session of the
UNWTO’s General Assembly, the most important high-level event for the global
tourism sector. Held every two years, this General Assembly will focus on
tourism’s role in the global Sustainable Agenda and the Sustainable Development
Goals, with a particular emphasis on the sector’s role in education, job
creation and tackling climate change.
