Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has called on African nations to implement eco-tourism policies and safeguard their cultural heritage.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu made the call on Wednesday, June 11, while opening the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.
He advocated for practical solutions and alliances to boost investment in tourism infrastructure and deepen the sector’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa.
He emphasised that the goal is to position Africa at the centre of global discussions on unlocking tourism’s full potential to drive economic growth.
As the News Agency of Nigeria reported, the President declared Nigeria’s support for sustainable tourism practices across Africa, reflecting the continent’s unique challenges.
“By collaborating with regional bodies, such as the African Union, ECOWAS and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African nations to adopt policies promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
“This collaboration includes sharing best practices, tourism training, developing joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism and improving infrastructure to support intra-African travel.
“Through these regional initiatives, Africa can foster a continent-wide movement toward tourism that benefits both the people and the environment, driving long-term prosperity for Africa,” he said
The President noted that tourism encompasses more than visiting historic landmarks, waterfalls, mountains, and parks.
He maintained that the sector “is an engine of local economies, a catalyst for social understanding, and a bridge that unites cultures.
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“The advent of technology and creativity has transformed tourism and its opportunities.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that this conference highlight the impact of AI, Innovation, and Creative Industries on the tourism sector,” he added.
Tinubu highlighted the role of Nigeria’s creative industries in global tourism, which encompassed music, film, fashion, literature and digital arts.
The President said the sector has “emerged as a powerful driver of economic growth, making significant contributions to the country’s GDP, job creation and economic diversification.”
“Nigeria’s Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, generating substantial revenue from domestic and international markets.
Similarly, the music and fashion industries have propelled Nigeria’s global cultural influence and generated income and employment opportunities.
“As we chart a new course for tourism in Africa, one thing is clear: the government cannot build the sector alone.
“It needs a partnership with the private sector. The sector’s growing complexity and opportunities demand this strategic partnership,” he said.
He implored participants “to focus on practical solutions and collaborative strategies to strengthen intra-African travel, boost investment in tourism infrastructure and empower local communities.
Tinubu also enjoined participants to deepen tourism’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making African tourism the heart of the global conversation.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, encouraged African nations to harness innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the creative industries to unlock the continent’s immense potential in global tourism.
“I am passionate about Nigeria and President Tinubu’s mission and commitment. I believe in it because of his vision for Nigeria, which will enable the country to take a seat in the comity of global nations as a developed nation.
“I pray the same for every African nation, and urge us all to rise together,” she said.
The minister noted that President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is the guiding principle for Nigeria’s sectoral transformation, emphasising that “Africa stands at the forefront of change.
“The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground but on people-powered prosperity, through tourism, culture, the creative economy and the arts,” she said.
The Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Amb. Zurab Pololikashvi commended the Tinubu administration for supporting the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Underscoring tourism as Africa’s future, he said the continent is indeed the new frontier in world tourism, given its vast potential and limitless opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Pololikashvi urged leaders on the continent to address issues related to connectivity by reviewing existing visa regimes, which would ease the movement of tourists across Africa and beyond.
Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing FCT, encouraged stakeholders across Africa to think boldly, as Africa is not just participating in the digital future of tourism.
“Today’s gathering is an opportunity to amplify the stories of home-grown innovations that attract tourists from the grassroots to the global stage.
“Let us use this space to exchange best practices, build cross-border collaborations and generate actionable strategies that place communities, especially women and youths, at the heart of our development agenda,” she said.
Explore the latest updates and insights on African tourism developments in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & Answers:
Why is sustainable tourism important for Africa?
Sustainable tourism promotes responsible travel practices and helps protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and support local economies.
How can AI and innovation enhance the tourism sector in Africa?
AI and innovation streamline travel experiences, improve marketing strategies, and support infrastructure development, making tourism more accessible and efficient.
What role does Nigeria play in African tourism?
Nigeria contributes significantly to African tourism through its vibrant creative industries, rich cultural heritage, and large-scale tourism initiatives.
How can intra-African travel be improved?
Governments can ease visa policies, enhance transport infrastructure, and promote regional partnerships to facilitate seamless movement across African countries.
What impact do creative industries have on tourism?
Music, film, fashion, and digital arts attract global attention, boosting Africa’s cultural tourism and economic growth.