The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) now UN Tourism plays a crucial role in shaping global tourism policies, fostering sustainable tourism growth, and ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably. As Africa seeks to maximize its tourism potential, it is imperative that African nations rally behind a candidate whose vision aligns with the continent’s needs. Here are compelling reasons why Africa should vote for a candidate who is committed to supporting the region in the upcoming UNWTO/ UN Tourism elections in end of May 2025.
1. Advancing Africa’s Tourism Growth
Tourism is a key economic driver for many African nations, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited marketing resources, and insufficient investment. A candidate who prioritises Africa’s tourism sector can advocate for increased funding, capacity-building programmes, and policy frameworks that enhance tourism competitiveness across the continent.
2. Ensuring Equitable Representation and Influence
Historically, Africa has been underrepresented in global decision-making forums, including the UNWTO. Supporting a candidate who genuinely backs Africa’s interests ensures that the continent’s voice is heard in setting global tourism agendas. A pro-Africa leader can push for policies that address Africa’s unique challenges, promote regional integration, and foster intra-African tourism.
3. Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
Sustainable tourism is essential for preserving Africa’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural resources. A candidate who understands Africa’s needs will champion eco-friendly tourism initiatives, community-based tourism, and inclusive policies that benefit local communities, rather than just large corporations. Such leadership will help African nations achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism.
4. Boosting Investments and Infrastructure Development
Africa needs substantial investments in infrastructure such as airports, roads, hotels, and digital connectivity to unlock its tourism potential. A candidate who prioritises Africa can work towards securing international funding, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring that African countries receive technical and financial support to develop world-class tourism infrastructure.
5. Enhancing Capacity Building and Skills Development
Tourism thrives when there is a skilled workforce. Many African countries lack sufficient training programmes in hospitality, tour operations, and tourism management. A supportive UNWTO leader can facilitate scholarships, training programmes, and technical workshops tailored to Africa’s needs, thus enhancing the skills of tourism professionals across the continent.
6. Fostering Resilience Against Global Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of Africa’s tourism sector, which suffered immense losses due to travel restrictions. Climate change, political instability, and security concerns also pose risks to tourism. A candidate who prioritises Africa can advocate for resilience-building strategies, including crisis management frameworks, climate adaptation programmes and improved safety measures to mitigate future disruptions.
7. Strengthening Africa’s Global Tourism Brand
Africa possesses unparalleled tourism assets, from wildlife and safari adventures to cultural and heritage tourism. However, negative perceptions and inadequate global marketing efforts often hinder its potential. A UNWTO leader with Africa’s interests at heart can push for global campaigns that rebrand Africa as a premier travel destination, attracting more international visitors and boosting revenues for local economies.
8. Encouraging Regional Collaboration and Partnerships
African nations must collaborate to create regional tourism circuits, visa-free travel zones, and joint marketing initiatives. A candidate who supports Africa can encourage cross-border tourism policies, enabling easier movement of tourists within the continent and fostering economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a framework for such collaboration, and the right UNWTO leader can help leverage this opportunity.
Conclusion
Africa’s tourism sector has immense potential to drive economic development, create jobs, and uplift communities. However, achieving these goals requires strong advocacy, strategic investments, and global support. Voting for a UNWTO candidate who prioritizes Africa’s tourism development will ensure that the continent’s interests are safeguarded, its challenges addressed, and its tourism sector elevated on the global stage. As the UNWTO/UN Tourism elections takes place next week, African nations must unite behind a candidate who is genuinely committed to Africa’s tourism success and long-term prosperity…….UBUNTU!!!.
