Delegates and other participants have praised Nigeria for successfully hosting the 68th Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), describing the event as “memorable” and “iconic.”
They expressed their appreciation during interviews on the red carpet of the event’s closing gala, held on Friday night.
The 68th CAF meeting took place from 11 to 13 June in Abuja, under the theme: “Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries in Africa.”
The event brought together top government officials from across the continent, including tourism ministers and key stakeholders in the tourism industry from Africa and beyond.
Several attendees described the gathering as historic, noting that it would leave a lasting impact on Africa’s tourism landscape.
Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, described the meeting as “very interesting and successful.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our host, the Federal Government of Nigeria, especially Hanatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy of Nigeria,” she said.
“She has wonderfully hosted us and chaired this meeting beautifully, bringing together ministers of tourism from across Africa.
Over these two days, we discussed matters related to Africa’s work programme, and more importantly, how we are integrating artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the tourism sector.”
“Nigeria is a hotspot for creativity, and we used these two days to host a technical workshop that further built the capacity of young leaders in Nigeria’s tourism sector. Once again, this has been a very successful event.”
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Mr Chuks Anyaduba, curator of the Flavours of Nigeria Festival in Ontario, Canada, also congratulated the Minister and her team, describing the meeting as a milestone.
“Hosting culture and tourism stakeholders from across Africa and beyond will certainly enhance Nigeria’s image and amplify its rich cultural and tourism assets on the global stage,” he said.
“Nigeria has indeed successfully hosted this UN World Tourism event for Africa, and I believe a benchmark has been set.
“Our government must now be smarter by investing more in tourism. The National Assembly should consider a larger budget for the ministry.
“This is crucial to enable us tell Nigeria’s story more effectively, in line with the ‘Destination 2030 Nigeria Everywhere’ agenda of the ministry.”
Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rodney Sikumba who was elected Chairperson of the UN CAF for 2025–2027 highlighted the importance of the meeting for regional cooperation.
“This gathering has opened a new chapter for collaboration in African tourism.
“When I talk about a united Africa, I refer to a continent that is championing a shared vision for progress.
“As ministers responsible for tourism, we are here to discuss matters of mutual interest and to form strong partnerships.
“I am very pleased that this year’s CAF was held in Abuja, Nigeria. For too long, African countries have competed individually. Now we are coming together to work in unity,” he said.
In her opening remarks at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasised the role of culture, creativity and technology in shaping Africa’s future.
She called on her counterparts to strengthen cooperation among African nations to boost the continent’s standing on the global tourism index.
“I believe we are entering a new era for tourism in Africa. It’s amazing how well I and my fellow ministers have connected and shared a unified vision,” she said.
“I assure you, together we will be relentless in our pursuit of value for our continent and unlocking its full potential through tourism.”
