UN: South-South cooperation for tourism development advances at the 2nd Africa-Americas Tourism Summit

According to UN Tourism data, both regions have recovered from the impacts of the pandemic: in 2024, Africa welcomed 74 million international arrivals, 7% more than in 2019 and 12% more than in 2023. The Americas, meanwhile, welcomed 213 million, representing around 97% of pre-pandemic arrivals. The Summit highlighted the strong ties between the two regions, both in terms of visitors between and within them, as well as in terms of source and recipient markets for investment.

UN Secretary-General for Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili stated: “This Summit demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans. Our roadmap will drive inclusive growth and ensure that tourism remains an engine of shared prosperity. Above all, by focusing on training and skills development, we are giving people, especially young people, the means to succeed in today’s competitive world.”

This Summit is a testament to the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans.
The Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, highlighted the importance of shared connectivity and cooperation in the face of common challenges. Speaking with the Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, Nalumango stated: "The diversity of experiences and perspectives present here represents a treasure trove of knowledge that, if harnessed collectively, will enhance our ability to drive the resilient tourism sector we envision."

South-South Development through Investment
Increasing and guiding investment in tourism is one of the fundamental pillars of the Punta Cana Declaration. In Zambia, UN Tourism shared its achievements in this priority area. To date, 18 editions of the "Guidelines for Doing Business in Tourism" for investment in destinations in Africa and the Americas have been published. Another 10 are in development.

The Guidelines highlight the enormous potential for tourism investment within and between regions. Between 2019 and 2024, Africa invested around $3.9 billion in 36 projects in the Americas, while Latin America and the Caribbean invested the same amount in 34 projects in Africa. With the aim of increasing these levels, UN Tourism announced plans to organize a Biennial Conference on Tourism Investment in Africa and the Americas. The Conference will bring together governments, financial institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to boost transcontinental investment flows and guide investment toward shared priorities.

A Shared Future: Growth Through Education
With more than 50% of the tourism workforce under the age of 25, the sector offers vast opportunities for young people, especially in Africa—the world's youngest continent—and the Americas. To implement the education goals of the Punta Cana Declaration, UN Tourism is promoting training in both regions. In Zambia, delegates were updated on work in the Dominican Republic, where a collaboration with MIREX will deliver training on diplomacy and tourism, to be launched this year.

Also at the Summit, delegates were briefed on the status of the Academy planned in collaboration with UN Tourism in Livingstone. The Academy will serve as a specialized training center and join UN Tourism's growing network of educational centers. These include the International Culinary Arts Academy in Zimbabwe and a planned center in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with INFOTEP. Looking ahead, UN Tourism also aims to reach some 2,000 beneficiaries in Africa and the Americas through its new WhatsApp professional development courses.

Innovation to Shape the Future of African-American Tourism.
Hand in hand with education, the Punta Cana Declaration places innovation at the heart of South-South cooperation for tourism development. In Livingstone, UN Tourism announced the imminent launch of the first Startup Competition for the regions. The "Bridges of Innovation" challenge will seek companies prepared to address challenges in sustainability, inclusion, and digital transformation, with a particular focus on local communities.

Investment will also be the main focus of the first United Nations Thematic Office for Tourism in Morocco. This office will serve as an innovation hub, offering acceleration programs for regional startups, research and development, and fostering new talent through Tourism Tech Adventures.

Greater connectivity and tourism security.
The Punta Cana Declaration seeks to address the challenges that hinder tourism growth due to limited air connectivity. In Guatemala, UN Tourism has partnered with INGUAT (National Institute of Tourism and Tourism) to launch a joint Work Plan that seeks to connect sector stakeholders to strengthen connections. In parallel, the Second Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa will be held in Angola in July, focusing on artificial intelligence and innovation for connectivity.

The Africa and the Americas Summit also highlighted UN Tourism's progress in improving safety standards for tourists, boosting travel confidence in both regions. In Livingstone, delegates were updated on the progress of the Safer Destinations Initiative (SAFE-D), designed to foster public-private collaboration and promote crisis preparedness. 

Source: UN Tourism.