Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has reemphasized his commitment to the promotion of tourism as he believes the sector could unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The continent’s most successful businessman was appointed a Responsible Tourism Ambassador by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2018.
The world tourism body’s head, Zurab Pololikashvili paid a courtesy call on him while attending the maiden UNWTO’s Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries in Lagos, where Dangote pledged his continued support for the sector.
A vital point for discussion between Pololikashvili and Dangote was support for tourism SMEs which has become a key agenda for UNWTO. To this end, the Tourism Ambassador would work closely with the UNWTO to roll out programmes to drive greater assistance and investment into small-scale businesses within the tourism sector.
Pololikashvili expressed his appreciation to Dangote for his unwavering support for the activities and programmes of the UNWTO.
“The first UNWTO Ambassador from Africa, your entrepreneurial spirit and forward-looking approach are a great source of inspiration. Thank you for joining UNWTO in promoting tourism education in Africa and the world over,” he maintained.
Leading the visiting team was Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed with some officials of UNWTO also in attendance.
