One of the main objectives of the UNWTO Regional Programme for Africa is to continuously strengthen the Member relations by inviting African Tourism Ministers to pay courtesy calls to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in a view of sharing their priority areas on the tourism sector and update their knowledge on new services and products offered.

In this regard, technical meetings and working sessions are organized together with Mr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General, UNWTO Executive Directors, The Regional Director Programme for Africa, and Directors of Technical and Support Programmes based on the request of the country to discuss issues and concerns of the member state on the tourism industry.

At the end of the visit, fruitful conclusions and action plans are prepared which will serve as tangible collaboration roadmap between UNWTO and the African Member State towards the development of sustainable tourism in the country.

In 2016, we had the honor to enjoy the official visits of H.E. Mr. Thierno Ousmane Diallo, Minister of Tourism, Hospitality Industry and Handicraft of Guinea, H.E. Mr. Malam Djaura, Minister of Tourism and Handicraft of Guinea-Bissau, Hon. Lai Mohamed, Minister of Information and Culture of Nigeria and H. E. Mrs. Selma Elloumi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Tunisia.

The UNWTO Regional Programme for Africa encourages interested African countries to embark on this initiative that demonstrates the strong engagement of UNWTO to put their request at the core of its general programme of work.