Rethinking Africa’s Sustainable Tourism: Insights from UNTWO Conference
SUMMARY – AFRICAN EXPERTS UNITE TO RESHAPE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM WITH GREEN INVESTMENTS, RESILIENT PARTNERSHIPS, AND ETHICAL PRACTICES THROUGH THE MAURITIUS DECLARATION, OUTLINING HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GROWTH AND WIDESPREAD COLLABORATION.
The UNTWO Conference on Rethinking Africa brought forth African insights to global challenges. Investments in green tourism and enhanced finance access were underscored, along with stronger public-private cooperation at all levels.
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Vision of Tourism Ministers
Tourism as a solution to global challenges was central, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development goals. Thematic sessions featured Ministerial panels on “Addressing Global Challenges” and “Promoting Investment and Partnerships for Economic Development.”
His Excellency Steven Obeegadoo from Mauritius and Albert Muchanga of the African Union delivered keynotes, emphasizing tourism’s pivotal role.
A special Ministerial Panel included contributions from Ministers of Tourism from DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia, along with experts from Mauritius, Seychelles, and the University of Cambridge.
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Advancing Investments and Partnerships
Strategic partnerships and targeted investments for resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism took center stage. UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona set the tone, followed by insights from experts and officials.
Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Tourism, and experts explored innovative approaches to tourism investments and partnerships.
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The Mauritius Declaration: Paving the Way
The conference climaxed with the Mauritius Declaration. It proposes actions for resilient and sustainable tourism ecosystems, spanning ethical practices, investment promotion, public health coordination, and more.
Measures in the Declaration encompass ethics, investment promotion, public health, regional tourism integration, responsible tourism, blue tourism, and robust partnerships.
Member States, African Union, banking institutions, and international aid partners are urged to support the program for successful implementation.
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