President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to set up policies that support green tourism and protect cultural sites.
He made this known in Abuja at the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting. His message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said Africa must work together to find real solutions that attract investors and improve tourism. These efforts, he said, can help African countries reach global development goals and improve their economies. He wants the continent to lead global talks about using tourism to boost growth.
The president said Nigeria supports tourism practices that protect the environment and respect local traditions. He urged other African countries to do the same.
According to him, working with groups like the African Union and ECOWAS can help. He said this teamwork should include joint training, shared marketing, and better travel links between African countries.
He explained that tourism is more than sightseeing. It brings people together, supports businesses, and creates jobs. Tinubu said new tools like artificial intelligence are already changing the tourism industry and giving Africa new chances to lead.
He praised Nigeria’s creative sectors like music, fashion, and movies for putting the country on the world map. Nollywood, he said, brings in money and jobs and shares African stories across the world. The president said that private businesses are key to growing tourism. He asked them to work closely with the government to build the sector.
Tourism Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa also spoke at the event. She said Nigeria is ready to help Africa grow its tourism industry through innovation and creativity. Musawa added that Africa has the talent to do more, but must use new tools to succeed. She said the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda is pushing Nigeria in the right direction.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili thanked the Nigerian government for its strong support. He said Africa is full of untapped tourism potential. But he also said the continent must fix travel barriers like difficult visa rules.
Senator Ireti Kingibe said Africa is not just joining the digital future it is helping shape it. She said Nigeria has the talent, culture, and energy to lead tourism in Africa. Kingibe also said it’s time to tell African stories and give more young people and women a voice in the industry.
The meeting closed with a shared message: if Africa works together, builds smart, and focuses on people, the tourism industry can bring lasting success to the continent.
