…President urges African countries to adopt eco-friendly tourism strategies, deepen investment and drive inclusive prosperity
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has called on African nations to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and preserve the continent’s cultural heritage, as part of efforts to unlock the full economic potential of the tourism sector and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The President made this call on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, through His Excellency, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, while declaring open the 68th Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.
In his address, President Tinubu urged African governments to collaborate with regional and international bodies such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and UN Tourism, to advance shared tourism policies, enhance infrastructure, and support intra-African travel.
“By collaborating with regional bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African nations to adopt policies promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving cultural heritage,” he stated.
“This collaboration includes sharing best practices, tourism training, developing joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism, and improving infrastructure to support intra-African travel. Through these regional initiatives, Africa can foster a continent-wide movement toward tourism that benefits both the people and the environment, driving long-term prosperity for Africa.”
The President emphasized that tourism is not just about visiting waterfalls, mountains, or historic sites, but also a major driver of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and social understanding. He urged stakeholders to focus on practical solutions that can strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable development across Africa.
Highlighting the transformative power of technology and creativity in tourism, he welcomed the theme of the event—“Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries in Africa”—as timely and relevant.
“The advent of technology and creativity has transformed tourism and its opportunities. Therefore, it is appropriate that this conference highlight the impact of AI, Innovation, and Creative Industries on the tourism sector,” he said.
President Tinubu also spotlighted Nigeria’s thriving creative economy, noting that the country’s music, film, fashion, literature, and digital arts sectors have significantly contributed to national GDP, global cultural influence, and employment.
“Nigeria’s Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, generating substantial revenue from domestic and international markets. Similarly, the music and fashion industries have propelled Nigeria’s global cultural influence and generated income and employment opportunities,” he noted.
“As we chart a new course for tourism in Africa, one thing is clear: the government cannot build the sector alone. It needs a partnership with the private sector. The sector’s growing complexity and opportunities demand this strategic partnership.”
Declaring the regional meeting open, the President urged participants to “focus on practical solutions and collaborative strategies that will strengthen intra-African travel, boost investment in tourism infrastructure, empower local communities, and deepen tourism’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making African tourism the heart of the global conversation.”
In her powerful remarks, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, echoed President Tinubu’s Rene…
