The Director of Private Sector at the ECOWAS Commission, responsible for tourism, investment, and business development, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, on July 15, offered insights into the commission’s active participation in the Accra Weizo tourism expo.
In an exclusive interview published on Thisday, he shed light on the challenges hindering tourism in West Africa. He outlined ECOWAS’s concerted efforts to transform the region into a premier tourist destination.
Dr. Elumelu emphasised that “movement is a way of life for every black person, especially of African extraction,” highlighting tourism as crucial for preserving heritage, culture, and shared values across the continent. He acknowledged that while cultural values are eroding, the intrinsic linkages and contiguous borders among West African nations, coupled with shared cultural and ethnic values, present a strong foundation for tourism.
However, according to Dr. Elumelu, a significant impediment to tourism growth in the West African region is the pervasive fear of security issues. He asserted that security concerns should be addressed by the appropriate agencies, urging a greater focus on encouraging mobility, cultural exchange, and promoting the region’s diverse attractions. He believes that by protecting and passionately promoting Africa’s historical sites and hotels, the continent can become a leading global destination.
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The ECOWAS Commission has played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for tourism growth through various initiatives. A key achievement is the development of the ECOWAS Tourism Policy (ECOTOP). “You must have legal instruments to guide whatever regime that you need to put in place,” Dr. Elumelu explained. This policy, adopted by member states, provides a comprehensive framework for the development of tourism.
Beyond policy, ECOWAS has focused on harmonisation and capacity building to ensure consistency and quality across the region. A harmonised hotel classification system has been adopted, meaning that a four-star hotel in Accra, for example, should meet equivalent standards in Nigeria. The commission has invested in training tourism operators and critical stakeholders in tourism management, ensuring that implementation aligns with relevant legal instruments.
Recognising the importance of seamless travel for tourists, ECOWAS is actively collaborating with immigration, customs, and police agencies to facilitate mobility. A major ongoing project is the development of the EcoVisa. While adopted in principle, the commission is diligently working on the interoperability mechanisms to ensure a single visa allows tourists to travel across ECOWAS member states. The harmonisation of passport regimes, including the introduction of biometric ID cards, also aims to “demystify travel” and make border crossings feel as simple as moving between streets within a country.
Furthermore, ECOWAS is working to shift the mindset around tourism seasons. Dr. Elumelu cited a recent engagement in The Gambia, where the commission encouraged a focus on regional attractions to foster “all-season” tourism, rather than relying on “off-season” terminology. He emphasised the vital link between tourism and investment, noting that visitors who perceive a positive investment-favourable environment are often inclined to become investors in the country.
In empowering tour operators, the ECOWAS Commission has provided substantial support in capacity building and funding. Training, financial assistance, and grants have been extended to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector. The commission has institutionalised a coalition of SMEs in the region and established ECOWAS Business Humanisation initiatives, providing funding and crucial market access. Investment Promotion Agencies in West Africa have also been established to further support the sector.
Despite comprehensive protocols and initiatives, Dr. Elumelu highlighted a persistent challenge: the implementation of these protocols. He cited the 1951 Free Movement of Persons Protocol, adopted decades ago, as an example. While the provisions allowing easy border crossings remain, the “attitude of the operatives” and the presence of unauthorised individuals posing as officials continue to impede smooth travel. He emphasised that the “political will of the members to do the job and clear the road” is crucial for effective implementation.
ECOWAS also benefits from partnerships with foreign organisations, notably the European Union (EU), which provides support for ECOWAS projects. This assistance often goes directly to member states or is channelled through the commission.
However, Dr. Elumelu reiterated that the effectiveness of such support ultimately depends on “the ability of the member states to enforce what they have signed.” Looking ahead, he is optimistic about the future of tourism in West Africa. He believes there’s a significant “paradigm shift in terms of perception of tourism,” driven by increased awareness. He encouraged West Africans to explore neighbouring countries, highlighting that the funds spent on international travel could be redirected within the region for similar benefits.
Key to future growth, he noted, is enhancing the security architecture while simultaneously “playing down security” in public messaging, allowing the appropriate agencies to handle such concerns. He emphasised the importance of developing existing tourism sites across the region, from Nigeria’s Ogbunike Cave and Yankari Game Reserve to Guinea’s Futa Jelon and The Gambia’s coastal areas. Essential infrastructure, including road networks and power supply, is critical for this development.
Finally, Dr. Elumelu underscored the indispensable role of the media in sensitising the public about West Africa’s tourism offerings. “You can’t do that without the media,” he asserted, warning that strategies without media engagement are “bound to fail.”
Regarding ECOWAS’s inaugural participation in the Accra Weizo expo, Dr. Elumelu expressed his strong impression with the turnout and the representation from member states. He particularly commended Ambassador Ikechi Uko, the Nigerian organiser, for successfully bringing the event to Ghana, viewing it as a testament to the progress of ECOWAS’s integration agenda. “Accra Weizo for ECOWAS has been accepted in terms of integration,” he remarked, emphasising the commission’s support for initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and facilitate the protocol of human affairs, entry, and residence across the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
What are the main challenges hindering tourism growth in West Africa, according to Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu?
The primary challenge is the fear of security issues. Dr. Elumelu emphasises that while security is crucial, it should be handled by relevant agencies, and the focus should remain on encouraging mobility and cultural exchange. Implementation gaps in existing protocols also pose a significant hurdle.
How is the ECOWAS Commission contributing to the development of the tourism sector in West Africa?
ECOWAS has developed and adopted the ECOWAS Tourism Policy (ECOTOP), a legal instrument to guide tourism development. They’ve also harmonised hotel classification, trained tourism operators, and are working on facilitating mobility through initiatives like the EcoVisa and harmonised biometric ID cards.
What is the EcoVisa, and what is its current status?
The EcoVisa is a proposed single visa system for tourists that would allow seamless travel across ECOWAS member states. It has been adopted in principle, and the ECOWAS Commission is actively working on the interoperability mechanisms to bring it into full effect.
How is ECOWAS empowering tour operators and SMEs in the tourism sector?
ECOWAS provides capacity building, financial support, and grants to SMEs in the tourism sector. It has institutionalised a coalition of SMEs and investment promotion agencies, supporting them with funding, market access, and regional exchanges.
What role does the media play in ECOWAS’s tourism development strategy?
Dr. Elumelu stresses that the media is crucial for sensitisation and creating awareness about West Africa’s diverse tourism sites. He believes that without robust media engagement, tourism development plans are “bound to fail.”
What is the significance of ECOWAS’s participation in the Accra Weizo tourism expo?
Dr. Elumelu views ECOWAS’s participation as a positive sign of regional integration and acceptance of such initiatives. He was impressed by the turnout and representation, seeing it as a validation of their integration agenda and efforts to make people feel at home across the region.