As part of the strategy to restart global tourism which as a result of Covid -19 pandemic was put to a halt, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), A Specialized Agency Of the United Nations, has begun in pursuit to engage with its key stakeholders as it prepares for an accelerated tourism recovery. The Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili who is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to see jobs and livelihoods restored has conferred with Africa public sector leaders of tourism at the just ended FITUR International Fair.
The Secretary-General met with the Tourism Ministers of Ghana, Mozambique and THE Gambia. Upon meeting these ministers, Zurab Pololikashvili, discussed the different areas to support tourism’s recovery focusing on marketing and product diversification, empowering young people, creating new opportunities and driving economic growth, and to explore the way forward to promote and strengthen their image as a tourist destination.
Ghana’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal assured the secretary General of his support on UNWTO’s projects in Africa and also indicated his readiness to partner with the United Nations Specialized Agency to help quicken their tourism recovery back home. The meetings held within the framework of FITUR gave the Tourism Ministers of Ghana, Mozambique, and The Gambia the opportunity to also discuss and share opinions on the recovery of their tourism sector with Zurab Pololikashvili.
The Delegation from West Africa’s Archipelago Island of Cabo Verde which is to host the 64th Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in September appraised the SecretarIat of the preparations ahead of the presential event.
