Nigeria to Host Key UN Tourism Summit, Shaping Africa’s Travel Future
Nigeria is set to host the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja from June 11-13, 2025. This high-level gathering marks a pivotal moment for the continent’s travel sector, bringing together key stakeholders to chart a course for sustainable tourism development.
The CAF meeting serves as a vital platform for tourism ministers and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and forge collaborative strategies. This year’s event will focus on the transformative potential of innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), education, and the creative industries, offering valuable insights for African travel professionals.
A concurrent Thematic Conference will delve deeper into these key areas, exploring how technology and creativity can reshape Africa’s tourism landscape. The conference will showcase cutting-edge solutions, highlight successful partnerships, and provide a forum for knowledge exchange and networking.
Nigeria’s hosting role underscores its commitment to regional tourism leadership and its vision for a more resilient and opportunity-driven tourism ecosystem. The event aligns with the country’s broader tourism development goals, which emphasize sustainability, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships.
For African travel agents, the CAF meeting and Thematic Conference present a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends and connect with key decision-makers. The event will showcase how technology can enhance travel experiences, improve operational efficiency, and create new business opportunities.
The focus on AI and the creative industries reflects the growing importance of these sectors in shaping the future of tourism. African travel professionals can learn how to leverage these technologies to create personalized experiences, enhance marketing efforts, and reach new markets.
The meeting will also address key challenges facing the African tourism sector, such as improving infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and promoting sustainable practices. Participants will explore innovative solutions and share best practices for overcoming these obstacles and driving inclusive growth.
The timing of the event is particularly significant, as it follows the recent launch of several key tourism initiatives in Nigeria, including the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC) and the Destination 2030 vision. These programs aim to transform Nigeria into a global tourism hub, creating significant opportunities for investment and job creation.
The 68th CAF Meeting is poised to be a catalyst for change in the African tourism sector. By bringing together key stakeholders and focusing on innovation, technology, and collaboration, the event will empower African travel professionals to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
The timeline of key UN Tourism activities in Africa leading up to the CAF meeting highlights the organization’s commitment to supporting the continent’s tourism development. From policy implementation to innovation forums and tech summits, these initiatives are creating a dynamic environment for growth and collaboration.
As Nigeria takes center stage as a convening force for progress, the 68th CAF Meeting promises to be a landmark event for African tourism. Travel professionals across the continent should seize this opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore new ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of travel in Africa.
