The summit aimed to strengthen cross-regional collaboration and build long-term partnerships to ensure tourism contributes to sustainable development and economic inclusion
Tourism is surging back across Africa and the Americas, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery. According to UN Tourism, Africa received 74 million international arrivals in 2024, 7 pc more than in 2019 and 12 pc more than in 2023 while the Americas saw 213 million visitors, reaching 97 pc of pre-pandemic levels. The data reflects growing momentum in global travel.
In a press statement, UN Tourism says that against this backdrop of recovery, representatives from both regions gathered in Livingstone, Zambia, for the Africa & Americas Tourism Summit to outline a new roadmap focused on investment, education, innovation, and connectivity.
It adds that organised by UN Tourism, the summit aimed to strengthen cross-regional collaboration and build long-term partnerships to ensure tourism contributes to sustainable development and economic inclusion.
The statement adds that one of the summit’s major announcements focused on cross-continental investment flows. Between 2019 and 2024, Africa invested USD 3.9 billion in 36 projects in the Americas, while Latin America and the Caribbean invested the same amount in 34 tourism projects in Africa.
It adds that to further increase these numbers, UN Tourism revealed plans for a Biennial Africa-Americas Tourism Investment Conference, which will bring together governments, financial institutions, and private sector players to encourage investment aligned with regional development goals.
According to UN Tourism the event also placed a strong focus on youth employment and education. With over 50 pc of the tourism workforce under 25, the sector presents a major opportunity for youth empowerment, particularly in Africa.
UN Tourism shared updates on several initiatives, including a new tourism academy in Livingstone, a training partnership with the Dominican Republic, and WhatsApp-based professional development programmes expected to reach 2,000 young professionals across both regions. Innovation was outlined as a critical part of the future of tourism.
Zurab Pololikashvili
UN Tourism introduced the Bridges of Innovation start-up competition, aimed at identifying and supporting new businesses focused on sustainability, community impact, and digital solutions.
It adds that the summit also marked the upcoming launch of a UN Tourism Thematic office in Morocco, which will act as an innovation hub and run start-up acceleration programmes and research initiatives.
The statement adds that the connectivity and safety were additional key themes.
UN Tourism says that in response to ongoing challenges in air transport, UN Tourism is collaborating with INGUAT in Guatemala on a joint work plan to improve regional links. A Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport is scheduled for July in Angola, with a focus on AI and technology-driven connectivity solutions.
UN Tourism says that in terms of safety, the Safety of Destinations Initiative (SAFE-D) was spotlighted for its role in boosting crisis preparedness and public-private collaboration.
Mutale Nalumango
It adds that as both regions look ahead, the summit underscored a shared commitment to deepening ties across borders and oceans through coordinated investment, digital innovation, and inclusive growth.
“This Summit is proof of the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans. Our roadmap will advance inclusive growth and ensure that tourism remains a driver of shared prosperity. Above all, by focusing on training and skill-building, we are giving people, especially youth, the means to succeed in today’s competitive world,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism.
“The diversity of experiences and perspectives here today represents a treasure of knowledge which, if collectively harnessed, will enhance our capacity to advance the resilient tourism sector we envision,” says Mutale Nalumango, Vice President, Republic of Zambia.
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