Tourism ministers, policymakers and industry leaders from across Africa are meeting in Seychelles this week for the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting, with discussions centred on strengthening skills, education and cooperation to drive the continent’s tourism growth.
Hosted jointly by the Seychelles government and UN Tourism, the three-day gathering in Victoria runs from July 2 to 4 and brings together member states, affiliate members and tourism industry representatives.
The meeting will be followed by a thematic conference focusing on human capital development, reflecting growing recognition that a skilled workforce is critical to improving Africa’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
Delegates are expected to exchange best practices, discuss policy reforms and explore ways to strengthen collaboration to maximise tourism’s contribution to economic growth, job creation and sustainable development across the continent.
Ahead of the opening session, Patrick Herminie met with Shaikha Al Nuwais to discuss closer cooperation in supporting Seychelles’ tourism recovery following disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which affected visitor arrivals.
President Herminie said the country’s tourism sector was beginning to recover, while Al Nuwais encouraged Seychelles to use the recent challenges as an opportunity to build a more resilient and sustainable industry.
Herminie also congratulated Al Nuwais on becoming the first woman to head UN Tourism in the organisation’s 50-year history and welcomed Seychelles’ role in hosting both the regional commission meeting and the conference on tourism workforce development.
Al Nuwais described Seychelles as a leader in tourism best practices in Africa and said the meeting would encourage countries to share successful experiences and strengthen regional cooperation.
She reaffirmed UN Tourism’s commitment to supporting African countries through initiatives focused on education and skills development, attracting investment and promoting practical approaches to sustainable tourism development.
