- Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism
- He emphasized that tourism and transportation are key drivers of local economic development
- UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Nigeria for its growing commitment to tourism development
President Bola Tinubu has called on African governments to implement tourism policies that are environmentally sustainable and culturally protective.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening of the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) and a thematic conference in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the broader role of tourism beyond leisure.
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He described it as a key driver of global economic growth, a catalyst for social transformation, and a powerful connector of cultures and nations.
He highlighted the importance of tourism as a platform for cultural preservation, community involvement, and inclusive development, stressing the need for strategies that reflect these values.
Tinubu also pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, noting that the country is actively developing policies aimed at environmental conservation, heritage site protection, and fostering private sector collaboration to strengthen the tourism industry.
“As we chart a new course for tourism in Africa, what we need is action. Governments cannot do it alone; partnership with the private sector is essential,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized that tourism and transportation are key drivers of local economic development, providing critical support to small businesses such as transport operators, artisans, and hospitality providers by generating employment and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
“Nigeria supports sustainable tourism practices across Africa by collaborating with regional bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the UN. We encourage other African nations to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and cultural research,” he said.
The President stated that the collaboration encompasses the exchange of best practices, capacity-building through training, coordinated marketing efforts, and infrastructure development aimed at improving ease of travel across Africa.
“Through these means, Africa can foster a continent-wide movement towards tourism that benefits both people and the environment,” he added.
President Tinubu also urged participants to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and the creative industries in shaping the future of tourism across the continent.
He called for concrete strategies to enhance intra-African travel, improve infrastructure, empower local communities, and promote sustainable growth within the sector.
Echoing this vision, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Nigeria for its growing commitment to tourism development and encouraged the government to significantly increase funding for the sector.
He further emphasized the need for African nations to ease visa restrictions in order to boost tourist inflow, citing Saudi Arabia’s successful tourism revival through strategic visa reforms as a model to consider.
“We must work together to make Africa more accessible. Let’s make history with visa policies. Nigeria can lead this change,” Pololikashvili said.
Pololikashvili reaffirmed UN Tourism’s dedication to advancing Africa’s tourism sector through strategic investments, capacity-building in education, and policy support.
Earlier in the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, called on African nations to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence, and the creative industries as key drivers for unlocking the continent’s vast tourism potential.
Expressing her belief in President Tinubu’s vision, she said, “I am passionate about Nigeria and the commitment of President Tinubu. His vision will enable Nigeria to take its place among developed nations. I pray the same for every African nation.”
She noted that under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Nigeria aims to drive sectoral transformation through tourism, culture, and the creative economy.
Musawa lamented that while the global tourism industry is valued at over $11 trillion, Africa accounts for less than 5% of global revenue and under 1% of creative exports.
“This is not due to a talent deficit. Today, Nigeria invites Africa to close that gap,” she declared.
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