Tourism leaders and stakeholders from across Africa will convene in Seychelles from Thursday for the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting followed by a thematic conference aimed at strengthening human capital to accelerate the continent’s tourism growth.
The government of Seychelles, working with UN Tourism, is hosting member states, affiliate members and industry representatives in Victoria from 2-4 July.
The gathering is expected to advance continental tourism management and transformation, with a strong emphasis on education, skills development and building a competitive workforce.
UN Tourism says the meeting will provide a platform for African countries to share best practices, refine policy approaches and deepen collaboration to enhance tourism’s social and economic impact.
Strengthening institutional capacity and empowering professionals are central to efforts to position tourism as a key engine of Africa’s development.
Ahead of the meeting, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held talks with UN Tourism Secretary‑General Shaikha Al Nuwais on Wednesday, discussing strategic partnerships to support the country’s recovery from the Middle East crisis, which has affected visitor arrivals.
Herminie said numbers were slowly improving while Al Nuwais encouraged Seychelles to use the disruption as an opportunity to rebuild stronger.
Hermine congratulated Al Nuwais on becoming the first woman to lead UN Tourism in its 50‑year history and welcomed Seychelles’ role in hosting the Regional Commission meeting and the human‑capital conference.
Al Nuwais praised Seychelles as a continental leader in tourism best practices and said ministers would share their own experiences as part of a new approach to strengthening cooperation.
She reaffirmed UN Tourism’s focus on education, investment attraction and practical sustainability solutions.
JN/APA