Member States from across Africa have shared their priorities for tourism against the backdrop of COVID-19. As with every other global region, African destinations have been hit hard by the restrictions on travel introduced in response to the pandemic. The sudden and unexpected drop in tourist arrivals has placed many millions of jobs at risk and threatened to roll back the progress made in sustainable development.

Tourism Ministers from across Africa came together for the first UNWTO Global Investment Forum in Africa, a landmark event aimed at unlocking the potential of investment for driving sustainable growth and development. This gathering is a contribution to the UNWTO Agenda for Africa for sustainable growth through tourism.

The role of tourism and investment in African development took centre stage at the FITUR trade fair in Madrid this week as sector leaders joined the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 11th edition of INVESTOUR (Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa) which saw the participation of over 20 African Ministers and Heads of delegations.