68th UN Tourism Commission For Africa Meeting: Nigeria Inaugurates Planning Committee

On December 3, 2024, Hon. Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., officially inaugurated the Planning Committee for the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF), set to take place in Abuja from June 11th to 13th, 2025.

This milestone event marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s tourism development and highlights the country’s leadership within the African and global tourism sectors.

The inauguration marks the beginning of an intensive planning phase for the meeting, which will gather key players from across Africa and the world. Nigeria’s selection to host the meeting reflects growing confidence in its potential as a tourism hub and its increasing influence in shaping the global tourism agenda.

As one of six regional commissions, the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) brings together African Ministers of Tourism, delegates from 51 member states, UNWTO executives, and experts from both the public and private sectors to advance tourism across the continent. The Commission’s efforts focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices, improving regional cooperation, and encouraging economic development, cultural preservation, and social inclusion.

The success of the 68th CAF meeting lies in its ability to attract global attention, foster collaborations, and generate economic opportunities for Africa. For Nigeria, this event provides a platform to showcase its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant arts scene while highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

The event also promises significant socio-economic benefits, including foreign exchange earnings from accommodation, travel, and hospitality services, as well as the creation of new jobs and business opportunities for local communities. By hosting the CAF meeting, Nigeria also aims to project itself as a safe, desirable destination for both business and leisure tourism, further promoting its tourism products and services to a global audience.

In line with the Commission’s agenda, the event will feature a high-level conference with the theme, “Harnessing Technological Solutions (AI) for the Future of African Tourism: Innovations, Growth, and Digital Transformation in Tourism.” A parallel workshop for Nigerian participants will also focus on “Empowering African Communities through Tourism and Creative Industry Innovation.”

The Planning Committee, now officially inaugurated, is tasked with executing the complex logistics required to deliver a seamless and successful event. The Committee, composed of experts in content, logistics, and planning, will work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF meeting serves as a statement of the country’s tourism potential and its readiness to drive global tourism innovation.

The Hon. Minister, in her address, emphasized the importance of collective effort in achieving the event’s success. She encouraged members of the Planning Committee to approach their roles with dedication, creativity, and professionalism, ensuring that Nigeria delivers an event that not only showcases the country’s achievements but also sets new standards for future tourism initiatives.

“As we begin this journey, I urge all committee members to work with passion and precision. This is our opportunity to demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in the global tourism landscape, and together, we will ensure this event leaves a lasting impact on our nation and continent,” said Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq.

Vision for the Future of African Tourism

“As we embark on this significant journey, let us recognize the transformative potential of tourism, not just for economic growth but for the empowerment of local communities and the preservation of our diverse cultures. This event serves as a crucial step toward aligning our collective vision for Africa’s future, leveraging tourism as a key driver of sustainable development and global cooperation. Through our collaborative efforts, we will ensure that the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa Meeting sets a benchmark for innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity across the continent,” said Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq.

With the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting on the horizon, Nigeria is preparing to demonstrate its significant contribution to the global tourism sector and further solidify its position as a key player in shaping Africa’s tourism future.