The Tourism sector in Africa has often than not received little attention thus making the industry difficult to make the right impact in the region.
In the last few days, Côte d’Ivoire’s capital of Abidjan has been playing host to over 800 delegates comprised of experts, investors, public officials among others at the maiden Global Tourism Investment Forum in Africa.
The President of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara in the wake of the economic power of tourism has pledged his commitment towards ensuring that tourism is given the priority attention.
Receiving the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili and his delegation at the Presidential Palace, the Ivorian Head of State said, his Government is committed to making tourism a sector that create a number of opportunities for the masses especially youth and women. The sublime Côte d’Ivoire gives credence to their commitment.
His Excellency Ouattara thanked the Secretary General and UNWTO for putting also Cote d’Ivoire on the tourism map, giving key visibility and supporting the sector.
The Secretary General expressed his appreciation to President Ouattara for the support to host the maiden event which aimed at selling bankable African tourism products to the world. He re-echoed the need to develop the sector and create employment opportunities with investments into the sector.
Mr Zurab Pololikashvili reiterated that the working relationship and vision of the Minister have been extremely valuable, especially in a historic context where UNWTO organized for the first time a Tourism Investment forum. He paid glowing tributes to the Minister Siandou Fofana for his leadership both in Cote d’ivoire and at the regional level.
The country will host the global celebrations during next year’s World Tourism Day.
