President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to implement policies that promote environmentally sustainable tourism and safeguard the continent’s diverse cultural heritage.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the official opening of the 68th meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja on Wednesday, the President urged African leaders to focus on practical actions and regional alliances that can stimulate investment in tourism infrastructure and align the industry with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Tinubu, Africa must position itself at the centre of global conversations on how to fully harness tourism’s economic potential.
He pledged Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism practices that are sensitive to the unique environmental and socio-economic contexts of African nations.
“By working with regional organisations such as the African Union, ECOWAS and UN Tourism, Nigeria is encouraging other African countries to pursue policies that champion eco-conscious tourism and cultural preservation,” Tinubu said.
“This collaboration involves sharing best practices, advancing tourism education, co-developing marketing campaigns for sustainable travel, and improving infrastructure to ease intra-African movement.
“Through these joint efforts, the continent can build a collective momentum for a tourism sector that uplifts communities and conserves the environment, ultimately driving long-term prosperity.”
The President stressed that tourism is more than leisure or sightseeing; it plays a vital role in local economies and acts as a vehicle for social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding.
“With the evolution of technology and creativity, the tourism sector has expanded in ways we could not have imagined. It is therefore fitting that this conference focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence, innovation and the creative economy on tourism,” he said.
Tinubu praised Nigeria’s creative industries, encompassing music, film, fashion, literature and digital arts, as a significant force shaping the country’s identity on the global stage. He said these industries have become a strong driver of economic growth, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP, generating employment, and supporting diversification efforts.
“Nigeria’s Nollywood is among the largest film industries globally, generating substantial income both locally and internationally. Likewise, our music and fashion sectors have expanded Nigeria’s cultural influence and created new streams of income and jobs,” he noted.
The President stressed that governments alone cannot develop the tourism sector and called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to drive innovation and attract the necessary investment.
He urged delegates at the summit to concentrate on developing workable solutions and joint strategies to improve intra-African travel, scale up infrastructure investment, and empower local populations.
“Tourism must be part of our wider development agenda. We must use it to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs and position African tourism at the core of global engagement,” Tinubu added.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, echoed this vision, urging African nations to tap into innovation, artificial intelligence and the creative industries to unlock the continent’s vast tourism potential.
“I am deeply committed to President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria, and I believe it offers a roadmap for Africa’s rise on the global stage. I hope every African nation embraces that same ambition,” she said.
Musawa described the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as the strategic compass guiding Nigeria’s sectoral reform, noting that “Africa stands poised for transformation.”
“The 21st century compels us to construct economies built not only from the ground up, but powered by people, through tourism, culture, the creative industries and the arts,” she said.
UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili, praised the Nigerian government’s efforts to reshape the tourism sector. He described Africa as the next frontier in global tourism, offering untapped potential and vast opportunities for innovation and enterprise.
He urged African leaders to address regional travel barriers, particularly by reviewing and easing visa policies to facilitate seamless mobility across the continent.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, called on stakeholders to think boldly and strategically, asserting that Africa should not merely join the digital future of tourism but help define it.
“This gathering offers a platform to spotlight local innovations that draw visitors from across the world. Let’s use this opportunity to share solutions, foster cross-border partnerships and craft strategies that place communities, especially women and young people, at the core of Africa’s tourism transformation,” she said.
