Posts Tagged :

africa tourism

World Tourism Day 2021 Inclusive Growth at Centre of Tourism Restart

 500 272 wttc2
By:

World Tourism Day 2021 Inclusive Growth at Centre of Tourism Restart - TRAVELINDEXAbidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, September 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Global tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to making the sector a pillar of inclusive growth. At the official World Tourism Day 2021 celebrations in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, political and business leaders united behind a common message of solidarity and determination to ‘leave nobody behind’ as tourism restarts and grows back.

Prime Minister Patrick Achi and Minister of Tourism Siandou Fofana welcomed international delegates, signalling Cote d’Ivoire’s firm support of tourism and Tourism Ministers from 12 countries, the biggest Ministerial participation for an official World Tourism Day celebration. The day featured 1,500 participants, including representatives of international organizations and the private sector.

“Showing tourism’s human face”

Commitment to inclusive growth so that tourism’s restart brings hope for millions worldwide and ensures that everyone who has a stake in tourism also has a say in its future

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

The Prime Minister said that “Cote d’Ivoire is proud to host a World Tourism Day like no other. It is important that we realign tourism so the sector meets the hopes and expectations of people. Tourism is a key sector for Cote d’Ivoire’s growth and development. And the right path for Cote d’Ivoire is also the right path for all of Africa, using tourism as a locomotion to drive our economies forward and create jobs for women and youth.” Minister of Tourism Siandou Fofana added that World Tourism Day 2021 “showed the human face of tourism,” stressing the sector’s unique ability to lead recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, in Africa and worldwide.

Innovation, investments and inclusion

Ministers and experts explored how the pledge to drive inclusive growth can be achieved. The importance of innovation, targeted investments and of strengthened collaboration between public and private sectors was made clear. The speakers also underscored the need for inclusive policymaking as tourism slowly returns and looks to the future.

Opening the day, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the sector’s “commitment to inclusive growth so that tourism’s restart brings hope for millions worldwide and ensures that everyone who has a stake in tourism also has a say in its future”.

A future built around shared values

In addition to recognising the challenges of the present, World Tourism Day also looked to the future. In Abidjan, “The Future of Africa” focused on the potential of the continent’s youth as well as its innovators and entrepreneurs. Against the backdrop of World Tourism Day, UNWTO signed two Memorandums of Understanding, reflecting the broad scope of tourism’s reach and relevance. The Didier Drogba Foundation, chaired by one of Africa’s most-recognized and celebrated athletes, agreed to actively commit to UNWTO’s goals and values, above all to providing opportunities for African youth and those living in rural communities. Stressing the importance of tourism as a driver of opportunity for the continent, Channels TV of Nigeria joined as a new UNWTO media partner and will now actively incorporate the theme of tourism for development within its editorial commitments.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

Underscoring UNWTO’s leadership in uniting all of the tourism sector, its Affiliate Members also met in Abidjan, bringing together African businesses as well as civil society leaders, academics and destination management organizations. The side event showcased the benefits of being part of the global Affiliate Members Network and the technical support and networking opportunities available through being part of UNWTO’s work.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Tourism Day Celebrations 2021 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth

 500 287 wttc2
By:
World Tourism Day Celebrations 2021 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, September 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

UNWTO has therefore designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on Tourism for Inclusive Growth. This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person. UNWTO invites its Member States, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals to celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.

World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on 27 September, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UNWTO Secretary-General, UNWTO: “The human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism must be open for everyone to enjoy. So too must the many social and economic benefits that tourism brings be available to everybody. World Tourism Day 2021 highlights the power of ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’. By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.”

By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.

World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Statutes of the Organization in 1970, paving the way for the establishment of UNWTO five years later.
Establishment of World Tourism Day

It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the UNWTO General Assembly decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on the Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, and Africa go to cotedivoiretourisme.com

The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate in that it comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From Kenya to Cape Town with Tuk Tuks for Rangers

 500 281 wttc2
By:

From Kenya to Cape Town with Tuk Tuks for Rangers - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, September 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Africa is bleeding without its tourists. The impact of 18 months of lockdown has been devastating. Revenue from tourism is central to the conservation of some of the planet’s most important habitats and wildlife; without it, many of these are in trouble. Poaching, bushmeat, illegal logging and the exploitation of natural resources have all risen dramatically. Those charged with preventing this, wildlife rangers, have seen an increase in their workload, despite many having their funding and salaries slashed. Rangers need help.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

With this in mind, Jasper, Josh, Ivo and Robbie, four conservation minded adventurers living in Kenya, decided to embark on a daring and bone rattling expedition to raise both awareness and money for rangers on the frontline – by driving from Kenya to Cape Town in Tuk Tuks!

The Tuk South team is in the process of transforming its two 8HP Piaggio Tuk Tuks into machines capable of surviving 7000 kms of famously bumpy roads. Installing everything from skid plates and roll cages to solar panels and fold out kitchens (the progress of which you can follow online), their Tuk Tuk’s safari capabilities are slowly being realised.

As they journey from the equator to the southernmost tip of Africa, they will be crossing nearly 35⁰ of latitude and travelling through 7 countries, elephants, jungles, mountains, savanna and the ever hospitable Kalahari desert. The thrills and spills of their journey will be shared on social media as they go. Tuk South has over 155,000 followers on TikTok, clocking up an impressive 15 million views, with many of their followers sharing their passion for sustainability, adventure and conservation. They will be putting their video-making skills to good use – visiting many conservancies, parks and reserves on the way down and telling their ranger’s stories. These stories will form the backbone of a documentary they aim to make on Covids impact on conservation (trailer below). Their content will also cover a healthy dose of adventure and the stories of the grassroot sustainability projects, conservation initiatives and community projects they search out along the way.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Hotels Expands Luxury Footprint in Africa with Fairmont Djibouti

 500 307 wttc2
By:
Accor Hotels Expands Luxury Footprint in Africa with Fairmont Djibouti - TRAVELINDEXDjibouti City, Djibouti, September 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor Hotels signs deal to open its first luxury property in Djibouti in 2024, adding a new flagship property to its portfolio in Africa with Fairmont Djibouti. Set to open in 2024, the hotel will feature 155 rooms and 10 serviced apartments, with five food and beverage outlets combined with 1,398 sqm of meetings & events facilities.

Located in Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti and one of the country’s most affluent areas, the hotel will be strategically located by the beach in Plateau Du Serpent offering its visitors convenient proximity to the port of Djibouti. In addition, the property’s enviable seafront location will provide guests with unparalleled views, positioning Fairmont Djibouti as the “preeminent hotel” in the Djibouti market.

“Accor has always been a key player in the tourism industry across Africa,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, “and Djibouti is no exception. We are confident that this project will greatly benefit the hospitality landscape of Djibouti with the introduction of one of Accor’s flagship luxury brands, Fairmont, while supporting government efforts for its “Djibouti vision 2035”.

Accor is partnering with Carnegie Hill Hospitality, a company founded in 2018 which has positioned itself as a major player in the real estate sector in Djibouti, headed by Mrs Haibado Ismail, and showcases the strong ambition to be a leader in the tourism sector through “greenfield” developments and strategic partnerships in all segments of the hotel and real estate sectors.

When speaking about the new Fairmount project, Mrs Habaido Ismail states: “It’s not about building one more hotel. The partnership with Fairmont and Accor underlines our desire to create a unique place, emblematic of Djibouti. At the heart of our approach, there is a desire for authenticity. It is about offering a discovery, a destination in its own right that reflects our rich history, a symbol of our welcome, our culture, our traditions and our ambitions. It is also about doing our part in the development of the country, its economy, while offering a hotel complex at the highest level of luxury and service.”

In addition to the guestrooms and serviced apartments, the urban resort project will feature an all-day-dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a specialty bar, a lobby lounge, a pool bar & grill and a tea lounge. There will be 1,389 m² of meeting space featuring a large ballroom designed to host corporate meetings, weddings and social events as well as an exterior courtyard events area that can host up to 400 attendees. Furthermore, the project will include spa and fitness facilities, a Fairmont Gold Lounge, a salon, kids club, beach water sports center and all the amenities to become a destination in and of itself.

Once open, Fairmont Djibouti will welcome guests traveling for leisure and with family, while expecting a strong demand from corporate, governmental and military travelers. With the government vision for 2035, tourism activity is a priority with the market looking to attract 500,000 visitors by 2035, eager to visit and discover the exceptional natural heritage of the country, the richness of the seabed, the discovery of the desert, the nomadic life of the locals, the salt lakes and more.

The Accor group has been present in Africa for over 40 years and currently operates 155 properties (26,376 keys), with another 85 properties (16,765 keys) in the pipeline.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Seychelles Getting Ready for Upcoming COP Meeting

 500 338 wttc2
By:
Seychelles Getting Ready for Upcoming COP Meeting

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, September 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / With the environment high now on everyone’s agenda and as climate change is making itself felt in the four corners of the globe the Seychelles is gearing itself for sensitizing the world on safeguarding what the islands have been blessed with in a hope that everyone follows suit. A full series of books all based on what Seychelles has as unique treasures in the area of environment has been issued by Steen N. Hansen, a Dutch National living in Seychelles and he is being assisted by his Seychellois wife Marie France is pushing for recognition of their long and difficult task.

Steen G. Hansen is a Danish national who was born in 1951. It was in 2015 that he moved to Seychelles and got married a year after to a Seychellois, and was granted a permanent residency in the Republic of Seychelles in 2019.

Hansen holds a master in biology and a bachelor in geography and in geology as well (all from the university of Copenhagen) and in German language and culture (from the University of Odense, Denmark). Prior to the arrival in Seychelles, Mr. Hansen served as a consultant biologist and as a senior lecturer at college level. He was particularly interested in environmental conservation, and has written a number of discussion papers, views and feature articles about nature, nature management and even of genetic manipulated foods items.

In the Seychelles he continued his passion for nature and nature management by writing the first illustrated and comprehensive Flora of the Seychelles from 2016 (725 pages) plus a number of smaller and easy-to-read books featuring nature treasures in the Seychelles of which can be mentioned ‘Striking Plants of Aride Island’ (2016); ‘Vallée de Mai – a Primeval Palm Forest, a Nature Reserve and a UNESCO Heritage Site’ (2017); ‘Striking Nature of Curieuse Island (2017); ‘The National Botanical Garden of Seychelles’ (2018); ‘The Tea Factory, its Nature Trail and Morne Blanc’ (2018; ‘Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden’ (2018); ‘The National Biodiversity Centre of Seychelles’ (2019) and latest ‘Le Ravin de Fond Ferdinand – a Special Reserve on Praslin’ (2021), and where he focuses on nature management and conservation efforts next to presenting a selection of plants and animals.

Mr. Hansen’s dedication for nature and nature management is fueled by the fact that the global environment is under pressure like never before. Scaring three plant or animal species are becoming extinct every hour round the clock, for which reason ‘we are on the edge to be the first species to be able to document our own eradication if no action is taken now’ (Dr. Christiana Pasca Palmer, UN Executive for Biodiversity). And the only way out, following Mr. Hansen, is to sensitize the public and thus the grass roots as much as possible by getting to know about our precious world and its critical state by self-examination, and to which Mr. Hansen’s work – with his own words – is just a small and humble contribution.

COP will bring many influential personalities together to discuss what needs to be done and Hansen is saying start by knowing what exists and then protect what has been seen to exist.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Host Cities Make Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit a Truly African Spectacle

 500 302 wttc2
By:
Host Cities Make Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit a Truly African Spectacle - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, September 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / have been confirmed as host cities for the inaugural Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit, taking place from 19-21 September 2021. The Sandton Convention Centre, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre and the Marriot Lagos Ikeja are the venues that will host the event’s numerous panel discussions, workshops and TED talks.

Centred on the theme of Re-awakening Africa, the Summit calls on all tourism players throughout the continent and all our global tourism friends and partners to reflect, reimagine and reignite the sector in a world still ravaged by COVID-19.

• Discover Africa Tourism online at TourismAfrica.org – Connecting Africa to the World

The pandemic might have dented the sector in the last 19 months, but it presents tourism with an opportunity to create something new. In the case of the Summit, South African Tourism has organised a hybrid event, meaning it is held both physically and virtually and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

The Summit includes an eclectic mix of topics that ranges from how to ease travel across borders on the continent to packaging African travel in a post-COVID world, all with the overarching message that Africa is open for business.

Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, Ms Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, says the Summit presents Africa with the opportunity to create a platform that will demonstrate the continent’s tenacity in rebuilding the tourism sector through knowledge and partnerships. “We must remember that African tourism belongs to all 54 nations on the continent. It means tourism stakeholders from each of those countries can come together to find ways of making travel to our continent easier and more inviting to global tourists.”

Africa’s tourism industry faces numerous challenges in its bid to rebuild. The United Nation’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) says the tourism industry is unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels until 2023 or later. Additionally, the World Travel and Tourism Council reported that Africa’s tourism sector experienced an exponential decrease of US$83-billion (R1.2-trillion) and a loss of 7.2-million jobs in 2020.

Despite these setbacks, Kotze-Nhlapo remains upbeat about the sector’s future. “Governments across Africa, as well as the African Union, are ensuring a steady rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. In South Africa, government is implementing the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan that seeks to restore the tourism economy and recover lost jobs. These are signs that Africa is gearing up for tourism. The Summit will go a long way in showcasing to the world Africa’s readiness to welcome tourists within the continent and abroad.”

Design your own Summit
A novel feature of this hybrid Summit is that you can personalise the sessions you wish to attend in any of the three host cities. Delegates outside of Africa can design their schedules according to their time zone so that they can also be a part of the Summit and benefit from all it has to offer.

Delegates can choose to attend the Summit physically or virtually. However, physical attendance is limited and not guaranteed. All venues will adhere to strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

• Discover Africa Tourism online at TourismAfrica.org – Connecting Africa to the World

You can select sessions using the Business Matchmaking tool. It will also match you with the right delegates for one-on-one sessions based on the information you have provided in your profile, thus creating a great opportunity to connect and share knowledge with fellow industry stakeholders.

Register now for Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit and be a part of a new, reawakened Africa.

About South African Tourism
South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Sthembiso Dlamini.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tanzania Royal Tour Documentary Program with President Hassan

 500 324 wttc2
By:
Tanzania Royal Tour Documentary Program with President Hassan

Arusha, Tanzania, September 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has launched a tourism documentary program that will give exposure to Tanzania in the global tourism market, targeting to attract more visitors and investments in the country. The just-launched “Royal Tour” documentary program, a production of Peter Greenberg Worldwide, will be recorded in different places in Tanzania and is initiated by Willem Kuipers, founder of Kili Villa, and travel editor Peter Greenberg with support of Hon. Dr. Damas D. Ndumbaro, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism.

On the tour, the President will join visitors herself then take part to record the tour for global dispatch and circulation. The recording of the documentary that is meant to promote Tanzania internationally started on August 28, 2021 in Zanzibar, where the President is currently on an official visit.

“The President will show visitors different tourism, investments, arts, and cultural attractions available in Tanzania,” reads part of the statement issued by the President’s Office of Tanzania. The Royal Tour program is intended to strengthen relationships, and to inspire tourism and travel cooperation between Tanzania, other nations, and organizations.

The Royal Tour, the iconic and precedent-setting series of global television specials, has been produced for the past two decades, as Heads of States become the ultimate tour guides, showing their country to travel guru Peter Greenberg. Royal Tour programs offer a unique platform to showcase a country and its people and to provide a better – and credible – understanding of its culture and people through the eyes of its leader. Past Royal Tours have been made with the head of states of Jordan, New Zealand, Jamaica, Peru, Mexico, Israel, Ecuador, Rwanda, and Poland.

The production crew includes 40 specialists – including helicopter and drone teams, dive and mountain repelling teams, motorcycle, bicycle, and kayak teams, to name a few. The program utilizes top-notch cinematography equipment filming over a full week, with a large post-production editing team in Los Angeles.

The Royal Tour programs air across the United States in prime time on public television (PBS), and have multiple repeat broadcasts over four to ten years beyond the initial broadcast, reaching millions of Americans. The program is then distributed internationally airing across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia/Pacific and The Middle East. The content is also distributed via numerous digital platforms, ranging from Amazon Prime to YouTube.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Joins Investors, Tourism Leaders at Cabo Verde Forum

 500 263 wttc2
By:
UNWTO Joins Investors, Tourism Leaders at Cabo Verde Forum

Praia, Cabo Verde, September 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has celebrated the second edition of the Global Tourism Investment Forum. Joining Ministers of Tourism for the event in Cabo Verde were business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors, with a special focus on innovation and sustainable recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the crisis causing levels of Foreign Direct Investment in tourism to plummet 73%, the Forum provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to support and promote investments in the sector. Panel discussions, led by leading experts from across the tourism and finance sectors, focused on “innovation and investment”. Alongside providing an analysis of the investment climate in African tourism, including in the case of Cabo Verde, the discussions also addressed potential measures for promoting sustainable investments, digitalization and innovations, the future of mobility and sustainable transport, as well as using targeted investments to drive economic recovery, job creation and resilience post COVID-19.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Unlocking tourism’s potential

UNWTO is committed to promoting and building investments in tourism to unlock the sector’s potential to drive recovery and provide opportunity for all

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Well targeted investments can stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs and drive the green transformation of our tourism, in Africa and worldwide. UNWTO is committed to promoting and building investments in tourism to unlock the sector’s potential to drive recovery and provide opportunity for all.”

The event was opened by José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, Primer Minister Cabo Verde, and featured the participation of Tourism Ministers from across Africa as well as from Spain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as of investment bodies, multilateral funds, African regional economic communities, and from the private sector, including travel tech startups. Highlighting the international nature of the Forum, more than ten investors came from Europe to Cabo Verde to explore investment opportunities focused on innovation and infrastructure. They were joined by investors from South Africa, and the USA, with all participants benefitting from unique networking opportunities on the tourism island of Sal. Investors included RIU Group, Plug & Play, Aguaduna, CMC XXI, QEV Tech Electromobility Holdings, TUI Care Foundation, ALESA Group, Grupo Piñero and Fundacion Metropoli.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Capacity building and branding

Alongside the presentations and panel discussions, the Forum also featured capacity building workshops focused on investments and innovation, alongside an overview of UNWTO’s Brand Africa initiative aimed at helping destinations across the continent harness the power of digital marketing to reach new audiences and attract visitors.

The Little Africa Maio Project was also presented as an effective example of directed foreign investment in tourism with the potential to deliver a wide range of economic, social and ecological benefits.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Africa Tourism Leaders Identify Investments as Key to Sustainable Recovery

 500 313 wttc2
By:
Africa Tourism Leaders Identify Investments as Key to Sustainable Recovery

Praia, Cabo Verde, September 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The African Members of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have met in Cabo Verde to strengthen their cooperation and advance plans for recovery and sustainable growth.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The 64th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) saw 23 countries represented on the island of Sal, with 21 Ministers of Tourism joining five Ambassadors for the high-level event. Opening the Commission meeting, the President of Cabo Verde Jorge Carlos Fonseca offered a warm welcome to UNWTO’s leadership and to all delegates. The President was joined by Cabo Verde’s Minister of Tourism and Transport, Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos, and Prime Minister Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva in reaffirming support of the highest political level for tourism and recognition of the sector as a driver of recovery and sustainable development.

The continent is united in its determination to use the power of tourism to drive development and opportunity for all.

Chaired by Christine Kaseba Sata, Ambassador of Zambia to Spain and Permanent Representative to UNWTO, delegates addressed the biggest challenges standing in the way of the sector’s safe restart across the continent. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of speeding up vaccine rollouts across the continent, as well as addressing security issues that continue to have an impact on how global travellers perceive Africa as a safe tourism destination. Also on the agenda was the current level of connectivity between destinations, with improved air links the harmonization of travel protocols identified as an effective means for boosting regional tourism.

Tourism’s restart ‘essential’

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed delegates to the Commission meeting, providing an overview of UNWTO’s work during the ongoing crisis and how this is driven by the stated priorities of its African Member States. He said. “The continent is united in its determination to use the power of tourism to drive development and opportunity for all. And with coordination and targeted investments, African tourism can finally fulfil its unique potential.”

Rebuilding trust in travel

In Cabo Verde, UNWTO Members were brought up-to-date on the development of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, a landmark code aimed at helping restore confidence in travel. Members were also presented with an overview of the UNWTO General Programme of Work & Budget for the Period 2022-2023. Additionally, signalling a shared determination to keep moving forward even in challenging times, Members also held elections for key positions within UNWTO decision-making bodies ahead of the 24th General Assembly.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Building capacity

Running in parallel with the Commission meeting, UNWTO hosted capacity building workshops on innovation, digital marketing and investment These workshops were held ahead of the second edition of the UNWTO Global Tourism Investment Forum, opened by Prime Minister Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva and featuring the participation of investors from Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the USA as well as public and private sector leaders from across Africa. Backing up the workshop on marketing, UNWTO also launched its new Brand Africa publication. Produced with key African Tourism Partners, the publication aims at helping destinations use effective branding to diversify and attract visitors.

Also in Cabo Verde, tourism leader celebrated the signing and approval of the UNWTO Declaration on the Future of Mobility and Sustainable Transportation, a commitment aimed at the better understanding of how investments can help make the sector greener while also encouraging greater cooperation between tourism authorities and transport providers. Concluding the Regional Commission meeting, UNWTO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Cabo Verde. The aim of the MoU is to enhance cooperation between UNWTO and the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen the country’s branding, boost tourism education initiatives, and support research into the socio-economic impact of the sustainable development of tourism across Cabo Verde.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Africa Travel and Tourism Summit to Promote Intra-Africa Tourism

 500 315 wttc2
By:
Africa Travel and Tourism Summit to Promote Intra-Africa Tourism - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXJohannesburg, South Africa, August 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Department of Tourism and South African Tourism will host the first ever Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit, which is set to take place from 19th to 21st September 2021, coinciding with Tourism Month in South Africa.

Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit aims to be a catalyst for engagement on the current state of tourism on the African continent. Taking into account challenges facing the global tourism industry, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will, through various engagement sessions, gather the tourism sector to share insights and ideas to explore collaborative efforts that can lead to recovery.

With an array of issues currently facing the sector, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit aims to attract African community delegates, African Tourism Ministers, industry Associations, Tourism Boards, Destination Marketing Organisations as well as various partners across the tourism value chain.

Some of the major topics for discussion at the Summit include aviation, innovation, technology, the health and safety protocols currently in place, as well as the continent’s positioning post the COVID-19 pandemic for the African continent.

SA Tourism’s Acting CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, highlighted that the African continent is resilient and that this Summit is important as it will contribute towards picking up the momentum within the sector, as it works towards an inclusive recovery.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have dealt tourism, both business and leisure tourism, a heavy blow, but we are now in the recovery phase, and a summit of this nature is critical in ensuring that we are aligned as a continent whilst reigniting the tourism industry,” says Dlamini.

The Summit will be hosted in a hybrid format, over a two-day period. Delegates will have the option of attending virtually, or at identified venues across South Africa, or at three additional locations on the rest of the African continent, pending COVID-19 lockdown regulations. All venues will have COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.

“We have opted for the hybrid format in order for us, as a continent, to lead the way in demonstrating how tourism can be enjoyed safely whilst adhering to health protocols. It is important that we are diligent in reigniting the sector, as it contributes significantly to the African economy,” adds Dlamini.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism as well as South African Tourism were not able to host the MICE-focused Meetings Africa and leisure-focused Africa’s Travel Indaba 2021 editions which usually take place in February and May annually.
While Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit should not be seen as a replacement, it does provide a platform to showcase the African continent’s leisure tourism offerings and business event capabilities.

“In the absence of Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2020 and 2021, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit is an innovative initiative for promoting intra-Africa tourism and also for sharing insights into the “state of readiness” for South Africa and the rest Africa to welcome the world during and post-COVID-19 pandemic,” says Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Tourism Partners.

“I commend South African Tourism and the South African National Convention Bureau, for once again, showing commitment and leadership in tourism promotion across the continent. It will be so great to meet traditional and emerging trade partners again during the Summit. Well done to Team South Africa Tourism! We look forward to a very fruitful Summit,” concluded Donkor.

The SA Tourism Acting CEO also emphasised that Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will act as a think tank for the continent, creating a platform for Africa’s tourism leaders to create solutions for Africa and contribute to global solutions for the industry.

Committed to ongoing transformation and development of the South African tourism industry, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will feature a dedicated day to empower SMMEs in the sector on 19 September 2021, as a precursor to the two-day conference which takes place on 20th and 21st September 2021.

Open to delegates from all countries, this Summit is an invitation to the world to join in as the African continent not only gears itself for recovery, but also to share in the African story.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News