Photo: Tourism Minister of Seychelles, Amanda Bernstein
The Republic of Seychelles is intensifying preparations to host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), scheduled to take place in Victoria, Mahé, from 2–4 July 2026, in what is expected to be one of the continent’s most significant tourism gatherings of the year.
Organised in collaboration with UN Tourism, the high-level meeting will bring together tourism ministers, policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, educators and development partners from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on the future of tourism on the continent.
The meeting will be followed by a thematic conference under the theme, “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth,” reflecting growing recognition that Africa’s tourism competitiveness will depend heavily on investment in skills development, education, innovation, and workforce preparedness.
Importantly, the Seychelles meeting will also mark the first Regional Commission for Africa meeting to be presided over by the new UN Tourism Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nuwais, whose appointment ushered in a new chapter for the global tourism body.
Ms. Al Nuwais officially assumed office at the beginning of 2026 after being confirmed by the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Her leadership priorities include responsible tourism, capacity building, innovation, smart governance, and technology-driven transformation — themes expected to resonate strongly throughout the Seychelles discussions.
For Seychelles, hosting the meeting is being viewed as both a diplomatic and tourism milestone, positioning the Indian Ocean island nation at the centre of Africa’s tourism policy dialogue at a time when the continent is seeking stronger collaboration, resilience and sustainable growth strategies.
Officials say preparations are progressing steadily, with Seychelles seeking to deliver a seamless and impactful event that showcases not only its tourism infrastructure and hospitality capacity, but also its commitment to sustainable tourism development.
The conference is expected to focus significantly on tourism education and professional training, with stakeholders examining how African destinations can better equip young people and tourism professionals with the skills required in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global tourism environment.
Discussions are also likely to address investment in tourism institutions, innovation in tourism training, digital transformation, destination resilience, air connectivity, and inclusive growth, while encouraging stronger partnerships between governments, academia and the private sector.
The event aims to provide a strategic platform for Member States to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen continental cooperation in advancing tourism as a driver of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
As host nation, Seychelles is expected to use the opportunity to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s leading sustainable tourism destinations while also strengthening ties with fellow African tourism stakeholders and international partners.
The gathering is also anticipated to provide renewed momentum for Africa’s tourism agenda under the new leadership of Shaikha Al Nowais, whose emphasis on capacity building and inclusive tourism development aligns closely with the objectives of the Seychelles conference.
