UN Tourism’s 68th Africa Session Highlights Innovation, Skills, and Regional Leadership
Key roles for African Member States such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Angola emerge to guide tourism development.
The 68th session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa convened in Abuja, June 2025, with Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasising the significance of partnership and progress.
Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he stated, “Progress is built on partnership, and Africa’s story is one of resilience and renewal.”
He praised the region’s rapid recovery in tourism, driven by streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development, reaffirming the commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth.
Innovation Office Launch & Creative Industries Push
In Abuja, UN Tourism reports that Member States reviewed progress since the last session, including the launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Morocco to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
Upskilling, Youth & Women in Focus
Creative industries—music, film, fashion, and cuisine—were spotlighted as drivers of culture-led tourism, enhancing visitor engagement and supporting local livelihoods.
Pololikashvili urged further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalised communities, noting that “tourism can be a ladder and a platform for leadership.”
New Member State Leadership
According to UN Tourism, African Member States also fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions guiding UN Tourism’s work over the coming years:
- Angola, Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029).
- Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly in 2025.
- Zambia will chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria as Vice-Chairs.
Regional Agenda: Next Meetings & Milestones
Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC), while Cabo Verde will host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027.
AI in African Tourism: Tools & Takeaways
Discussions highlighted a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity.
Delegates emphasised that technology and Artificial Intelligence must prioritise people by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards.
On the sidelines of the 68th meeting, UN Tourism reports it conducted a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation focused on integrating AI tools into tourism development across Africa.
It also supported education and entrepreneurial skills, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships.
