In a historic move for African tourism development, the Kingdom of Morocco and UN Tourism have finalised a landmark agreement to establish Africa’s first UN Tourism Thematic Office in Rabat’s capital city. The signing of the financial agreement, now completed, sets the stage for immediate operational rollout.
The new office will serve as a continental hub for innovation, investment, and skills development, aiming to accelerate tourism growth and collaboration among African nations.
Strategic Agreement Signed to Empower African Tourism
The agreement was formally signed by Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Crafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, H.E. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and UN Tourism Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
“This new office will reinforce our commitment to Africa. It will allow for closer collaboration with governments and partners, and serve as a central hub to drive innovation, investment, and capacity-building,” said Mr. Pololikashvili during the signing ceremony.
He also praised Morocco’s leadership: “We are proud to sign this agreement. Thank you to H.E. Ms. Fatim-Zahra Ammor for hosting this important step forward for Africa’s tourism sector.”
Morocco’s Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Morocco’s hosting of the office aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism and fostering African solidarity. Minister Ammor emphasised the significance of the moment:
“This thematic office represents a new chapter in our partnership with UN Tourism and a vital step toward strengthening Africa’s collective tourism ambitions.”
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The agreement follows Morocco’s high-level participation in the UN Tourism Executive Council meeting in Spain, which was led by Minister Ammor and attended by Ambassador Karima Benyaich, Morocco’s envoy to Spain.
Rabat: A Strategic Base for Africa’s Tourism Transformation
Rabat’s selection reflects Morocco’s growing influence in the continental and global tourism dialogue. With an expanding infrastructure and commitment to transforming the sector, the city provides a strong foundation for the Thematic Office’s operations.
Once fully operational, the office will:
- Coordinate Africa-focused tourism initiatives
- Support public-private partnerships
- Foster innovation across the sector
- Enhance skills and human capital development.
Why It Matters
This initiative marks a milestone for African tourism, providing a platform to address sector challenges, scale up sustainable practices, and capitalise on the continent’s diverse tourism potential.
What’s Next?
As the office begins operations in the coming months, it is expected to become a springboard for tourism innovation and investment across Africa, shaping policy and practice for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on how the UN Tourism Thematic Office in Rabat transforms Africa’s tourism landscape.
