Christine Kaseba Sata, Ambassador of Zambia to Spain and Permanent Representative to UNWTO |
The 64th meeting of the UNWTO Regional
Commission for Africa (CAF) saw 23 countries represented on the island of Sal,
with 21 Ministers of Tourism joining five Ambassadors for the high-level event.
Opening the Commission meeting, the President of Cabo Verde Jorge Carlos
Fonseca offered a warm welcome to UNWTO’s leadership and to all delegates.
The President was joined by Cabo Verde’s
Minister of Tourism and Transport, Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos, and Prime
Minister Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva in reaffirming support of the highest
political level for tourism and recognition of the sector as a driver of
recovery and sustainable development.
The continent is united in its determination
to use the power of tourism to drive development and opportunity for all.
Chaired by Christine Kaseba Sata, Ambassador
of Zambia to Spain and Permanent Representative to UNWTO, delegates addressed
the biggest challenges standing in the way of the sector’s safe restart across
the continent.
Special emphasis was placed on the importance
of speeding up vaccine rollouts across the continent, as well as addressing
security issues that continue to have an impact on how global travellers
perceive Africa as a safe tourism destination. Also on the agenda was the
current level of connectivity between destinations, with improved air links the
harmonization of travel protocols identified as an effective means for boosting
regional tourism.
In his remark, Secretary-General, Zurab
Pololikashvili said: “The continent is united in its determination to use the
power of tourism to drive development and opportunity for all. And with
coordination and targeted investments, African tourism can finally fulfill its
unique potential.”
UNWTO Members were updated on the development
of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, a landmark code aimed
at helping restore confidence in travel. Members were also presented with an
overview of the UNWTO General Programme of Work and Budget for the Period of
2022-2023.
Members also held elections for key positions
within UNWTO decision-making bodies ahead of the 24th General Assembly.
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