The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is participating in the 61st Airports Council International (ACI) Africa conference currently ongoing in Luxor Egypt. The Director of UNWTO’s Africa Department Elcia Grandcourt who represented the organisation was part of the panel session which discussed open skies and its relationship with Tourism.
The session moderated by Kevin Caron, Director, Capacity Building Programmes, Airports Council International (ACI World) also had Mr. Miguel Southwell, President & CEO, Brakkam Aviation Management (Past CEO of Hartsfield Atalanta International Airport), Mr. Zouhair Mohammed El AOUFIR, CEO, National Airports Authority, Morocco, Mr. Branlat Guillaume, President du Directoire, Aéroport de la Réunion Roland Garros.
The discussion addressed the impact of national policies and strategies (Air liberation and Route Development) on air traffic and airport revenues. The panelists deliberated on the connection between aviation and tourism and how to explore and strengthen the relationship between Airports and the tourism industry.
Speaking to the media after the session Ms Grandcourt said it was an opportunity to share and discuss issues related to seamless travel within the continent and what is expected of the launch of the SATTM for improved connectivity. She shared the international arrival figures worldwide and for Africa and UNWTO’s forecast towards 2030.
She also used the occasion to promote the upcoming UNWTO/ICAO Ministerial event in Cabo Verde which was well received as participants agreed that there needs to be more dialogue between the two sectors where there’s a symbiotic relationship for the promotion of travel and tourism.
Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative of the world’s airport authorities. Established in 1991, ACI represents airports’ interests with governments and international organizations, develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports, and it provides information and training opportunities to raise the standards around the world. It aims to provide the public a safe, secure, efficient and an environmentally responsible air transport system.
