≡-Tinubu Champions Eco-Friendly Tourism Across Africa in the New 68th UN Regional Meeting—Will the Sustainable Policies Produce Good Results to Transform and make the future of the Continent ? – Viral of Today

<> Viral of Today <>
Home » TOURISM NEWS » Tinubu Champions Eco-Friendly Tourism Across Africa in the New 68th UN Regional Meeting—Will the Sustainable Policies Produce Good Results to Transform and make the future of the Continent ? Thursday, June 12, 2025With international tourism booming and transforming at a fast pace, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has issued a strongly worded appeal for African countries to join in and leverage tourism as a viable economic force for the future by Nigeria. Central to his appeal is taking a green approach in policy making and the preservation dynamic cultural diversity of Africa , highlighting tourism’s implied role in ensuring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential Through SustainabilityGathering in Abuja at the 68th United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting, regional stakeholders received a clear, passionate message: the continent must collectively embrace sustainable tourism practices. The Nigerian President emphasized that eco-friendly tourism and cultural preservation are not mere policies but essential steps towards prosperity and long-term economic stability across Africa.Nigeria underscored its commitment to lead by example, proposing strategic collaborations with key regional bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the UN Tourism Commission. These partnerships aim to establish a continent-wide network promoting eco-conscious travel, joint marketing initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades to facilitate seamless intra-African travel.From Local Economies to Global Conversations in AfricaTourism in Africa is no longer viewed solely through the lens of leisure and sightseeing. Instead, it emerges as an economic engine, capable of catalyzing local economies and bridging cultural divides. Nigeria’s advocacy for tourism transformation highlights tourism’s power to foster social understanding, stimulate job creation, and enhance cultural unity.The integration of technology, creativity, and innovation has dramatically reshaped the global tourism landscape, opening unprecedented opportunities. The Abuja conference spotlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and creative industries—sectors driving growth, increasing revenue, and expanding it’s global footprint.Nigeria’s Creative Industry: An Economic Powerhouse of AfricaNigeria’s creative industries—film, music, fashion, literature, and digital arts—are celebrated globally for their immense economic contributions. Nollywood, Nigeria’s dynamic film sector, stands out as one of the largest film industries worldwide, significantly boosting the country’s GDP and employment rates. Similarly, Nigerian music and fashion have become influential cultural ambassadors, propelling the nation’s global visibility and generating substantial economic benefits.The Abuja conference encouraged nations to emulate Nigeria’s successful model, harnessing local creativity and innovation to drive tourism-led economic diversification. Stakeholders emphasized strategic public-private partnerships as a vital approach to fully realize tourism’s multifaceted potential.Innovation and AI: Africa’s Gateway to Global Tourism RelevanceThe tourism sector, despite its enormous potential, currently captures less than 5% of global tourism revenue and barely 1% of global creative exports. This disparity does not reflect talent scarcity but highlights untapped opportunities. Nigeria, leveraging President Tinubu’s visionary “Renewed Hope Agenda,” is committed to leading the innovative leap, integrating cutting-edge technology and creative solutions to transform tourism and foster inclusive growth.The event’s core theme, “Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries in Africa,” encapsulates a forward-thinking strategy. It aims to position Africa as a vibrant hub of technological innovation, creative excellence, and sustainable economic growth. By embracing AI and creative industries, nations can significantly amplify their share of the global tourism market.Regional Connectivity and Visa Reforms: A Crucial Step for AfricaOne pressing issue highlighted at the Abuja meeting is regional connectivity and the ease of travel. Leaders recognized the urgent need to streamline visa processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles that deter tourism and limit economic interaction. Enhancing travel fluidity across Africa will dramatically boost tourism, encourage investment in tourism infrastructure, and promote regional integration. Stakeholders were encouraged to take bold actions, transforming travel experiences through improved connectivity, enabling them to compete effectively on the global tourism stage.Empowering Communities Through Inclusive TourismThe conference strongly emphasized community empowerment, particularly focusing on marginalized groups like women and youth. Tourism, if strategically managed, offers transformative social impacts, empowering local communities economically and culturally. Nigeria’s leadership underscored the importance of community-driven tourism initiatives, encouraging grassroots participation to create sustainable economic benefits. By positioning local communities at the heart of tourism development, nations can ensure that tourism growth directly translates into tangible improvements in living standards and societal wellbeing.Vision of Africa’s Tourism FutureAfrica is at a critical crossroads, with tourism on the brink of becoming a leading economic catalyst. The Abuja conference provided a powerful stage, bringing regional partners and leaders together in unison, with a shared vision of transforming Africa into a leading player in sustainable, cutting-edge tourism.This collective initiative shall shape the future of African tourism, driving the continent towards sustainability, economic growth, cultural development, and international visibility. As countries promote future-oriented approaches with emphasis on green practice, innovation, and community empowerment is well-placed to attract international focus and investment, thereby transforming its story through tourism.

This information will surprise you!

See also

• Read until the end to discover everything.
• Important information you need to know.
• Interesting facts and helpful tips.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy the news? Keep following us daily!