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ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has urged African nations to implement policies that encourage eco-friendly tourism and safeguard cultural heritage across the continent.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, he issued this call on Wednesday at the opening of the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized the need for practical solutions and partnerships to enhance investment in tourism infrastructure and strengthen the sector’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
He aims for Africa to take center stage in global discussions on harnessing tourism’s full potential to stimulate the continent’s economy.
The president affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices across Africa, recognizing the continent’s unique challenges.
"By collaborating with regional organizations like the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism, Nigeria invites other African countries to adopt policies that foster eco-friendly tourism and protect cultural heritage.
This collaboration involves sharing best practices, tourism training, launching joint marketing initiatives for sustainable tourism, and enhancing infrastructure for intra-African travel.
Through these regional efforts, Africa can ignite a continent-wide movement towards tourism that benefits both its people and the environment, leading to long-lasting prosperity," he stated.
Tinubu noted that tourism encompasses more than just visiting historical sites, parks, waterfalls, and mountains; it acts as a driver for local economies, a facilitator of social understanding, and a connection that bridges cultures.
He pointed out that technology and creativity have transformed tourism and its possibilities, making it essential for the conference to address the influence of AI, innovation, and creative industries on the tourism sector.
The president highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s creative industries in global tourism, which include music, film, fashion, literature, and digital arts.
He remarked that this sector has become a vital engine for economic growth, contributing significantly to the country's GDP, job creation, and economic diversification.
"Nigeria’s Nollywood ranks among the largest film industries worldwide, earning considerable revenue from both domestic and international markets. Likewise, the music and fashion industries have elevated Nigeria’s global cultural presence and created income and employment opportunities."
"As we forge a new path for tourism in Africa, it’s evident that the government cannot solely develop the sector. A partnership with the private sector is crucial, as the increasing complexity and opportunities of the sector demand such a strategic alliance," he emphasized.
He urged participants to concentrate on practical solutions and collaborative strategies to enhance intra-African travel, increase investments in tourism infrastructure, and empower local communities.
Tinubu also encouraged attendees to augment tourism’s role in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and establishing African tourism as a central topic in global discussions.
The minister of art, culture, tourism, and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, called on African countries to utilize innovation, AI, and creative sectors to unlock the continent’s significant potential in global tourism.
"I am passionate about Nigeria and President Tinubu’s mission and commitment. I believe in his vision for Nigeria, which I trust will position the country among developed nations globally.
My hope extends to all African nations, and I urge us to rise together," she expressed.
Musawa noted that Mr. Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” serves as the foundation for Nigeria’s transformation in various sectors, emphasizing that "Africa is on the brink of change.
The 21st century requires us to develop economies that are powered by people, focusing on tourism, culture, the creative economy, and the arts."
UN tourism's secretary-general, Amb. Zurab Pololikashvi, praised Tinubu's administration for supporting the evolution of Nigeria's tourism sector.
He underscored tourism as Africa's future, asserting that the continent is the new frontier in global tourism, given its vast potential and endless opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Pololikashvi called on leaders continent-wide to tackle connectivity issues by reevaluating current visa regulations to facilitate easier tourist movement within Africa and beyond.
Senator Ireti Kingibe representing FCT, encouraged stakeholders across Africa to think boldly, emphasizing that Africa is poised to actively participate in the digital future of tourism.
"Today’s gathering is a chance to amplify tales of local innovations that attract tourists, from grassroots to the global stage. Let us utilize this platform to share best practices, foster cross-border collaborations, and develop actionable strategies that prioritize communities, particularly women and youth, in our development plans," she stated.
