ABOUT AFRICA TOURISM DAY
Learn all you need to know about Africa Tourism Day
The Africa Tourism Day is a FOCUS-ON-AFRICA annual country-specific rotational event celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse cultural and natural endowments whilst creating awareness on issues that are impeding development, progress, integration and growth of the industry and also formulating and sharing solutions and marshal plans to leapfrog the tourism industry in Africa.
Trade and tourism have always had a symbiotic relationship over time. With the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA which commenced on the 1st of January 2021 and transforms Africa into the largest trading bloc globally with the ease of movement of goods, services, equipment, capital amongst African countries etc., where does this position tourism?
Whilst African economies essentially need to look at their carbon footprints, target and take actions towards achieving responsible and sustainable value chains, materials sourcing, exploration, production, manufacturing, supply chains, distributions, consumption in their business activities and locations across the continent, the AfCFTA need to provide the gateway to facilitate intra- Africa and inter- regional responsible, sustainable and regenerative travel and tourism to foster economic growth and development. One that puts planet earth, environmental conservation, community development, social responsibility and destination stewardship into account.
The paris agreement clearly stipulates the ambition to halve global emissions of C02 gases and to reduce the heat of the earth to 1.50 by 2030 and reach net zero of global emissions by 2050.
Tourism is one of the sectors affected by climate conditions disrupting and displacing communities and bio- diversity eco systems. Flooding, unpredictable weather conditions etc. affect agricultural yields, production outputs hence, tourism, trade and sustainability need to become focal points with the attendant climate issues and the urgent actions that countries, businesses, corporates, MSMEs , individuals ought to be taking to mitigate climate change. This year’s theme concerns how tourism integrates into and may be facilitated through trade yet with the earth, environment conservation and sustainability at the centre of trade, tourism and business activities.
SOLIDARITY MESSAGES
Jackson Igbinosun
On this special maiden edition of Africa Tourism Day, It is important for us as Africans to note that harnessing Africa’s tourism potentials through sustained investments in critical tourism infrastructure across regions backed by a robust policy framework will significantly accelerate the continent’s economic diversification aspirations for job and wealth creation.
Mrs. Susan Akporiaye
The Tourism industry in 2020 has been confronted with its biggest challenge in its history, the covid-19 pandemic. This brought the industry to a total standstill for several months, with the fact that the industry has the largest workforce in the world, cutting across all sectors of the economies of nations, bringing about untold hardship, loss of jobs and livelihood and a massive depletion of the revenues of world economies. In the face of so much uncertainty, we refuse to give up. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate and appreciate Ms. Abigail Olagbaye, the Convener of the Africa Tourism Day initiative which I personally believe is making a strong statement of hope that the tourism industry will blossom and stand tall once again. Happy Africa Tourism Day!
Nura S. Kangiwa
Amb. Dimakatso Malwela
While the world is facing crisis caused by the pandemic which has affected the global economy, Africans dare to dream. Seeing the great Africa amid and post covid-19 pandemic. We need to be resilient and rise above the situation.
This is exactly what Ms. Abigail did by giving birth to the idea of Africa Tourism Day amid the pandemic.
ATD is a Pan African programme that is going to impact the continent. Through strong strategic partnership and collaborations, Tourism will never be the same. It forms part of the recovery plan and deserves to be embraced by all nations in Africa.
Let us journey together to the land of prosperity using ATD as our vehicle!
Alhaji Rabo Saleh
“Africa is the green land and hope of the earth. It is an embodiment of beauty, clothed with natural endowments that other continents scramble for. It is time for all Africans to come together as one declaring with one voice and sending the message of hope, peace, love and unity that will give birth to growth and development. Africa is ready and together we can achieve greatness!”
Dr. Taleb Rifai
Mr. Moses Vilakati
Africa Tourism Day is a stark reminder that biodiversity and our natural ecosystem in rural areas need to be preserved and enhanced as a means of sustaining our tourism narrative.Together we can sustain tourism for future generations.
Abigail Adesina Olagbaye, MITPN
Africa, a pot pourri of cultures, tribes and kingdoms and a treasure trove of 1.3 billion creative and resilient people has never ceased to mesmerize the world! Let us all now rise as kings and queens and leverage the power of our culture capital, the immense talents of our youths, the sheer magnificence of our numbers for investments, for partnerships, for trade and for tourism.
Cuthbert Ncube
As we celebrate Africa Tourism Day, our continent boasts of various living attractions which are a satisfaction for the tourist appetite and investors’ yearning. Let’s navigate together to advance sustainability and build a strong resilient, vibrant sector.
EVENT PARTNERS
A select list of Africa Tourism Day event partners
