“Tourism is at a crossroads and the measures put in place in the margins of the meeting will shape the tourism of tomorrow. With our combined efforts, we can assist the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Commission for Africa in strengthening the institutional capacity of African countries in spheres, including sustainable development of tourism, to increase their competitiveness in the global tourism marketplace stated the Prime Minister, The PM launched the 66th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa, which is being hosted by Mauritius from 26 to 28 July 2023.
Among the guests were the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; other Cabinet Ministers; the Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; and other eminent personalities.
The 66th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa is focusing on the theme, ‘Rethinking Tourism for Africa: Addressing Global Challenges and Promoting Investment and Partnerships’, which is being attended by various affiliate members of the region and Ministers of Tourism from African countries.
The Prime Minster observed that tourism was on the path of recovery in Africa as a whole. He laid emphasis on the need for everyone to work hand in hand as One Africa to ensure that the Continent was prepared for future crises and would be able to overcome numerous challenges and release the potential of Africa by facilitating investment to develop intra-African tourism.
“For One Africa to gain momentum,” he added, “African leaders have to join forces and work together to increase tourism within Africa by building on, and extending, partnerships and engaging in other fields including medical and business tourism.”
Furthermore, Mr Jugnauth underlined that Mauritius could offer a platform for channelling investment in the African tourism sector for the country offered investors a conducive environment for doing business and had an open investment regime along with a bundle of facilities.
The Prime Minister also informed that the deliberations of the Meeting would culminate into a Mauritius’ Declaration on embracing inclusive and sustainable growth, which he stated, was a new path for African tourism for investments and global partnerships.
The Deputy Prime Minister, for his part, stressed that the Meeting was an opportunity for all participants to rethink tourism in this Post-COVID-19 era to ensure that the new tourism being rebuilt would be more resilient, ecological, inclusive and equitable. Mr Obeegadoo urged participants to think together and collectively during the workshops, conference and activities that would be held over the course of the Meeting.
As for the Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasised that this also showed the increasingly important role played by the UNWTO, and was testimony to the fact that Africa today stood united. On that score, he highlighted the need for everyone to continue to work together for the development of the Continent and to make Africa the main tourist destination in the next few years.
In addition, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili dwelt on the 10-point plan elaborated to develop the tourism sector for the African continent. The plan includes strengthening connectivity, security, showcasing the rich culture, encouraging more investment and bringing forth innovation, amongst others.
