UNWTO calls on Africa to discover new methods of tourism promotion

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently explained that Namibia and the southern African region need to find out new and exciting ways of endorsing domestic and regional tourism to save the industry that’s hit badly by the pandemic.

The Secretary-General was delivering speech in the summit in Namibia to the delegates and ministers of tourism from the African continent organized to find ways of developing the tourism industry.

To quote Zurab, “It was clear then – just as it is clear now – that Namibia has the potential to be a top tourism destination. What’s more, there is a real determination to use the power of tourism to drive development and create opportunity.”

Pololikashvili mentioned that Africa still remains one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world and should find new ways of managing the rising cases of the pandemic in an effective manner.

“Africa is a place of incredible cultural and natural diversity. And Africa’s cities are alive with youthful energy. However, as we know, Africa’s tourism potential has yet to be fully realized,” he said.

The UNWTO official stated that there are many reasons for Africa not succeeding in meeting its potential in tourism, comprising safety and security issues for the tourists, and the cost and ease of traveling between places in Africa.

“One key factor is low brand awareness among global tourists. This is why we placed advocating for brand Africa as one of the priorities of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa,” he said.

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