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President Tinubu Calls On African Nations To Assume Sustainable Tourism Initiatives For Economic Growth, Cultural Preservation, And Global Leadership

Thursday, June 12, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African nations to adopt eco-friendly tourism policies and preserve cultural heritage as part of efforts to boost the continent’s economy. He made this call at the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF), held in Abuja, Nigeria, where leaders from across the continent gathered to discuss tourism’s potential in driving sustainable development.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a comprehensive and unified approach that includes practical solutions, regional cooperation, and infrastructure investment to make Africa a leader in global tourism.

The Role of Tourism in Africa’s Economic Development

In his opening remarks, President Tinubu outlined tourism as a major pillar for economic growth, noting its potential as a catalyst for creating jobs, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices that would not only benefit local economies but also protect the continent’s environmental and cultural heritage.

“Tourism is not just about visiting landmarks. It is an engine for economic growth, a bridge that unites cultures, and a catalyst for sustainable development,” President Tinubu stated. He emphasized that a commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices could help Africa unlock the immense potential that the tourism sector holds for the continent.

Advocating for Regional Cooperation and Partnerships

President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s role in championing the cause for sustainable tourism, stressing the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and international organizations. He urged African nations to work together and collaborate with regional bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism to foster a collective movement towards sustainability in tourism.

“The need for regional cooperation cannot be overstated. By collaborating with regional bodies, we can share best practices, enhance tourism infrastructure, and develop joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that Africa becomes a major player in global tourism,” said the Nigerian president.

He further emphasized that improving intra-African travel would play a key role in boosting the continent’s tourism industry. Strengthening connectivity, reducing visa barriers, and improving travel infrastructure are critical to encouraging both regional tourism and international visitors.

Leveraging Technology and Creativity in Tourism

The conference also spotlighted the growing role of technology, innovation, and creative industries in shaping the future of tourism. President Tinubu acknowledged the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and the creative sectors, including music, film, fashion, literature, and digital arts, in enhancing the global appeal of African tourism.

“Africa’s creative industries have become a powerful driver of economic growth. These industries contribute significantly to the GDP, job creation, and economic diversification,” President Tinubu said. He urged the participants to focus on strategies that could harness the potential of these sectors to promote Africa as a tourism destination and empower local communities.

The Nigerian leader pointed to the success of Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry and the global appeal of African music as examples of how creativity can be used to promote cultural tourism. He called for greater investment in these areas to attract more international tourists while simultaneously supporting local talent.

Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure and Investment

The President also called for increased investment in tourism infrastructure, noting that such investments are vital to sustaining the growth of the sector and ensuring its long-term success. He encouraged private investors to partner with governments in developing tourism facilities, such as hotels, transport networks, and heritage sites, that are aligned with sustainable development goals.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the president at the conference, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of infrastructure in facilitating sustainable tourism development. He stressed the need for government policies that create an enabling environment for private-sector investments in tourism.

“We must provide the right infrastructure and policies that will empower local businesses and communities to thrive. Only through such efforts can we unlock the full potential of tourism in Africa,” Vice President Shettima said.

UN Tourism Secretary-General’s Support

Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting sustainable tourism and recognized the country’s efforts in transforming its tourism sector. He highlighted the immense potential of Africa as the new frontier for global tourism, given its rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and emerging creative industries.

Pololikashvili also stressed the need for African nations to review visa regimes and simplify travel processes to improve connectivity across the continent. He pointed to the example of Saudi Arabia’s recent success in transforming its tourism sector by streamlining visa policies and opening up the country to international tourists. Pololikashvili encouraged African leaders to adopt similar measures to boost tourism within the continent.

A Call for Action and Collaboration

In closing, President Tinubu called on all stakeholders, including government officials, tourism professionals, and private-sector leaders, to work together in fostering sustainable tourism across Africa. He urged the participants to adopt practical, forward-thinking strategies that will support local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This is our opportunity to ensure that African tourism becomes the heart of global discourse, a sector that drives sustainable development and unites cultures,” President Tinubu concluded.

Conclusion

The 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa served as an important platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the African tourism sector. President Tinubu’s call for sustainable tourism practices, regional cooperation, and investment in infrastructure highlights the critical role that tourism can play in the continent’s economic and social development. As Africa moves forward with these initiatives, the hope is that the tourism sector will be able to achieve long-term growth, empowerment of local communities, and environmental sustainability, making Africa a leading force in global tourism.
Tags: 68th CAF meeting, Abuja, Africa, African Union, Artificial Intelligence in Tourism, Creative industries in tourism, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Eco-friendly tourism, ECOWAS, intra-African travel, nigeria, Nigeria tourism initiatives, President Bola Tinubu, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable tourism policies, tourism infrastructure investment, UN Tourism, UN Tourism Commission for Africa

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