Africa News Issue 25

In Morocco, we launched the Tourism Investment Guidelines for Morocco, a milestone for making investment more accessible, transparent, and impactful. I was also proud to inaugurate the new UN Tourism Regional Office in Rabat, which will serve as a hub for innovation and investment — two pillars essential to tourism's future.

In Zambia, the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit, held in Livingstone from 8 to 10 April 2025, brought together ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from both continents. The summit focused on enhancing air connectivity, strengthening resilience, driving investment, and expanding education and skills development. These discussions have set the stage for unlocking fresh opportunities and accelerating economic progress in our regions.

I was also honored to participate in the 3rd Travel, Hospitality, and Tourism Education Summit in Lusaka, where we placed education at the center of Africa's tourism development. Investing in people and skills is a key priority for UN Tourism, and it is vital for equipping our youth with the necessary tools to lead the sector´s future. I commend the ongoing efforts to establish stronger educational frameworks that align with the evolving demands of our dynamic  industry.  In this regard,, we proudly launched the UN Tourism Academies, for the first time, in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, with the establishment of the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, and in  Zimbabwe with the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts. , we are also working closely with the Government of Angola to open an academy expanding opportunities for education and empowerment across the region.

The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held  in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania (23-25 April 2025), was a resounding success. The Forum brought together policymakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and tourism leaders to explore how Africa's rich culinary heritage can  drive economic diversification, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Through  inspiring discussions and the launch of  partnerships, the event reaffirmed the strategic value of gastronomy tourism as both an economic enabler and a powerful tool for storytelling rooted in identity and place.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering high-impact outcomes from key upcoming events:

• The 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Abuja, Nigeria (11–13 June 2025), followed by a thematic conference on Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism through AI, Innovation, and Creative Industries. This event will position Africa at the frontier of tourism´s technological advancement , while empowering youth and reimagining the future of education in the sector.
• The First World Music and Tourism Festival, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (16-18 July 2025) , in collaboration with UN Tourism. This inaugural celebration of music, culture, and tourism will emphasize the importance of preserving and sustaining intangible cultural heritage. Held under the theme "The Rumba Route," the festival will explore the rich relationship between music and tourism, with a special focus on Congolese Rumba, which was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. This event will not only celebrate cultural diversity but will also highlight the key role of music in tourism and the opportunities it offers for sustainable economic development.
• The 2nd UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa in Luanda, Angola (22–24 July 2025), will bring together stakeholders to identify collaborative solutions to improve air connectivity, mobility, and tourism growth across the continent.

Our strategic priorities remain clear:

• Innovation: Embracing digital transformation to enhance visitor experiences and operational efficiency.
• Investment: Facilitating investments that drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Education: Building future-ready skills and opportunities, especially for youth.
• Sustainability: Aligning tourism growth with community and environmental well-being.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism, we reaffirm our  shared  commitment to a tourism sector that is resilient, inclusive, and grounded  in the aspirations of our people.

Thank you.
Zurab Pololikashvili
Secretary-General, UN Tourism

In Morocco, we marked a significant milestone with the opening of the UN Tourism Regional Office in Rabat. This office will serve as a hub for innovation, investment, and capacity building, further strengthening our commitment to Africa's tourism transformation. Alongside this, we launched the Tourism Investment Guidelines for Morocco, aimed at attracting and sustaining investment in the country's tourism sector. These guidelines provide essential tools to drive economic growth and sustainable development. We are also  proud to have published versions for Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia (first edition), Tanzania and Zambia - including, for the first time in Africa, a completed Chinese version.. This was launched during the2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit, in Livingstone, which brought together  leaders to discuss enhancing air connectivity, resilience, and investment. Similar initiatives are underway  for  ther African countries such as Cabo Verde, Namibia, Angola,South Africa, all in line with UN Tourism´s key priorities.

The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held in Arusha, Tanzania, highlighted the pivotal role of culinary heritage in driving economic diversification and cultural preservation. This year's forum built on previous  milestones, notably the launch  of the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts in Zimbabwe, under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa. The Academy  exemplifies how gastronomy can empower  communities, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to sustainable development across the region.

Our commitment to gender equality was furthermore reaffirmed during the Women in Tourism Regional Congress in Sierra Leone, themed Beyond Education, Innovation, and Access to Finance. This event championed women's leadership in tourism,  stressing the need for  accessible and inclusive growth. A forthcoming report will capture the Congress's key outcomes and propose bold, actionable steps to elevate women's voices, unlock leadership potential, and drive a lasting change in Africa's tourism landscape.

I invite you all to join us in great numbers as we continue to celebrate and promote tourism development across  the continent through the following events:

• The 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Abuja, Nigeria (11–13 June 2025), followed by a thematic conference on Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism through AI, Innovation, and Creative Industries. 
• The First World Music and Tourism Festival, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (16-18 July, 2025), held in collaboration with UN Tourism. A forthcoming report will capture the Congress's key outcomes and propose bold, actionable steps to elevate women's voices, unlock leadership potential, and drive lasting change in Africa's tourism landscape.
• The 2nd UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa in Luanda, Angola (22–24 July 2025), focusing on improving air connectivity and fostering regional integration.

As we mark  the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism, our resolve to position tourism as a pillar of peace, prosperity, and unity in Africa has never been stronger. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in a tourism sector that reflects the values and aspirations of our African communities, while driving inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and economic transformation across the continent.

Thank you.
Elcia Grandcourt
Regional Director, UN Tourism Department for Africa

To kickstart this journey, there is strong interest in launching a Bridge Programme for Educators, inspired by the UN Tourism Academy's Tourism Faculty Development Programme (TFDP). Through a cascading approach, the pool of qualified trainers created through the programs will become a scalable resource for impact. The initial phase aims to train 60 educators, with a vision to expand to 700.

While construction of the Academy building is underway, alternative plans are in place to begin initial training at the Lusaka Academy.

A notable highlight in this journey was the 3rd Travel, Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit, held  in Lusaka, Zambia, in April 2025. During this summit, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of aligning tourism education with industry needs. The event served as a strategic platform to explore how education, training, and workforce development can act as catalysts for sustainable growth in Africa's tourism sector.

The Academy is on track to sign  the agreement during the first half of 2025, and a grand opening at the beginning of 2026. The site for the building has been selected, with benchmarking efforts underway to ensure top-tier facilities. The curriculum will spotlight Culinary Arts, Gastronomy, and Human Resources, equipping students with essential industry expertise.

As Zimbabwe strengthens its position in global tourism and hospitality, the  Academy will serve as a key driver of talent and innovation.

Building on the overall theme of the Presidency - Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability - as a knowledge partner, UN Tourism is working together with South Africa on the four priorities proposed for the Tourism Working Group, namely: 

1. People-centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSMEs
2. Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development.
3. Air connectivity for seamless travel
4. Enhanced resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development.

The first Tourism Working Group Meeting was held online on 5 March 2025, bringing together representatives from the G20 countries, invited countries and International Organizations. This virtual meeting represented an opportunity to jointly advance the development of the deliverables related to the above priorities.

The visit featured participatory workshops, interviews, site visits, stock-take meetings, capacity-building sessions, and surveys. This hands-on approach ensures that the recommendations align with the village’s specific needs and tourism potential.

Cap Malheureux in Mauritius, which is among the 20 villages selected in 2024 for the Upgrade Programme, will also undergo the mentorship process later this year, benefiting from tailored guidance to enhance its rural tourism development.

Delivered in collaboration with Green Destinations, this session explored how sustainability strategies can be effectively implemented at the village level.

Designed to support all 254 member villages of the Network worldwide, the Knowledge Series provides expert-led insights to help local stakeholders – including MSMEs, public and private sector representatives, and civil society – develop tailored, sustainable tourism solutions.
With a strong focus on practical guidance and real-world applications, this first session set the stage for a year of capacity-building aimed at driving meaningful change in rural communities.

Currently, the 20 villages from Africa that are part of the Network represent Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda, and Uganda.

This milestone offers African Member States, along with all UN Tourism Member States, the opportunity to use and integrate STAR into their national tourism strategies. By adhering to the terms, authorities can create national groups to use the tool, integrate public information into its recommendations, and access dedicated aggregated data tailored for their country once a critical mass of users is reached.

Developed by UN Tourism, STAR helps national and local authorities evaluate tourism policies, compare them with global best practices, and identify key areas for improvement to enhance rural tourism development.

For details on Member State registration, contact rural@unwto.org. More information is available on the STAR website and open information repository.

The programme will offer  financial and technical support to community-driven tourism initiatives focused on artisans and artists to support cultural preservation, economic opportunities, and sustainability. Emphasizing capacity building, market access, and product development, these projects will empower artisans, MSMEs, and local communities while promoting women and youth inclusion.

By fostering innovative tourism solutions, T4RD-SGP reinforces tourism's role in addressing depopulation and economic resilience in rural areas.

For more information, visit the T4RD-SGP programme page.

According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8% in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). Industry indicators are available at the UN Tourism Data Dashboard.

For further information: International tourist arrivals grew 5% in Q1 2025

Held on 22 January 2025 under the theme “Tourism: Commitment and Pride of Belonging”, the event sparked vibrant discussions on key issues including  the importance of strategic alliances, public-private partnerships, accessible quality education and mentorship programmes to empower the next generation of tourism leaders, and the need for greater inclusive, participatory, and sustainable approaches to tourism development. 

A key highlight of the event was the “Africa Outlook” session, featuring two members of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC): Ms. Mulemwa Moongwa, Governing Council Chairperson at the Zambia Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Studies (ZITHS), and Ms. Cecile Sombo-Dobele, Founder of TAMTAM Guide in the Democratic Republic of Congo. WITLAC, a pan-African committee supported by various African Member States and facilitated by UN Tourism, is committed to empowering women in tourism across Africa. It serves as a platform for shaping policies and initiatives that address gender disparities and foster greater leadership opportunities for women in the tourism sector. 

The airline's fleet modernization consists of an ambitious plan to incorporate new aircraft. TAAG has already received a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which   recently completed its first service on the Luanda–Johannesburg route, and two Airbus A220-300 aircraft, now operating regional routes.
These additions will allow TAAG to connect more African cities, facilitating trade, tourism and mobility between countries.

At the same time, TAAG's stopover strategy has a significant impact on the country's tourism, promoting Angola as an attractive tourist destination and increasing the country's visibility on the global stage.

By offering passengers the opportunity to experience Angola's culture, history and natural beauty, TAAG contributes to the diversification of the country's tourism offer.

By its second year of operation, the zipline is projected to attract 25% of all park visitors and generate 9% of the annual tourism revenues. This will significantly impact the park's financial sustainability, which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2030.

Nyungwe National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the globally recognized biodiversity hotspot known as the Albertine Rift Region. This park is a vital source of ecosystem goods and services that are essential for wildlife and people".
 

Through immersive stories and visual content, creators promote unique landscapes, exceptional biodiversity and local traditions. By targeting an international audience, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, this digital campaign seeks to increase the notoriety of Madagascar and boost its tourism, thus contributing to lasting economic and cultural benefits.

Held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism: Driving Inclusive Growth,” ZATEX 2025 will showcase Zambia’s diverse tourism offerings and services. The expo will serve as a vital platform for both regional and international hosted buyers as well as media representatives from key source markets.

This year’s edition of ZATEX aims  to revitalize the tourism industry, stimulate local revenue growth, enable global partnerships, and reinforce domestic tourism. Above all, it underscores Zambia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development that benefits all stakeholders, as the country positions itself as a premier destination of choice for global, regional, and domestic travellers. 
To register visit: https://zatex.org 

Building on the United Nations Tourism Education Guidelines published in 2022, Zambia introduced the Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (THTES) as a platform for dialogue among stakeholders to address the critical knowledge and skills gaps that were evident in the industry. 

The third edition of the Summit, held on 7 April 2025 in Lusaka, attracted 550 delegates from six countries. It was co-hosted by the Zambian Ministers of Tourism and Education and officiated by UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, making it the largest gathering of industry educators on the African continent.

From hackathon victor to global speaker, his inspiring journey showcased the transformative power of youth-led innovation. Sharing insights on Travel Bunny and UniversityX, he emphasized the critical role of technology and skills development in revolutionizing African tourism. Advocating passionately for youth empowerment as a catalyst for sustainable growth, his message resonated deeply with influential leaders, including Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili and Nigeria's former Minister of Information and National Orientation Lai Mohammed. His impactful participation underscored the summit's core focus on South-South cooperation, demonstrating tangible outcomes for young entrepreneurs across the continent. This summit served as a powerful platform, to showcase how innovation can drive the future of tourism development and foster collaborative partnerships between Africa and the Americas.