At the Africa-America Summit, which Morocco is participating in for the first time, tourism leaders from Africa and the Americas pledged to work together to make the sector a pillar of sustainable and inclusive joint development on both continents.
Morocco is taking part in the first Africa-America Summit, organized by the United Nations Tourism Organization, which began on Thursday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and runs until October 5.
On the sidelines of the Africa-American Summit, the Kingdom of Morocco will be represented by Ambassador Hicham Dahan of Santo Domingo.
The summit aims to highlight the strong ties that unite both continents and the important role of tourism in strengthening these relationships and improving the living conditions of its peoples.
Zurab Polokashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, opened the summit by saying, “Given global interconnectedness and cultural diversity, South-South cooperation between Africa and the Americas is essential to foster sustainable development.” ”.
Pololikashvili emphasized that “promoting tourism and strengthening the creative industries are strategic pillars that foster economic growth and promote mutual understanding, cultural diversity and the exchange of experiences.”
According to official data, both continents recorded 267 million tourist arrivals last year, generating $371 billion in revenue, an increase of almost 31 percent compared to 2022. From 2018 to 2023, 470 new investment projects worth $37.4 billion were announced. 131,763 jobs created in two regions.
Many speakers at the summit also highlighted African influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, including its influence on culture, music, cuisine, and traditions.
The first high-level meeting aimed at collaboration among key stakeholders to promote entrepreneurship, develop and deploy new technologies, and address common challenges such as climate change, economic and social inequality, and cultural preservation. has contributed to fostering an innovation ecosystem in the tourism sector.
The event was attended by host country Vice President Raquel Peña, as well as several ministers, senior officials, diplomats and tourism officials from both sides of the Atlantic.
RT/sf/te/lb/gik/APA
