Nigeria is set to showcase its diverse culture, vibrant arts, scenic landscapes, and the warmth of the people as plans are underway for the hosting of the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting, says an official.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, said this during the inauguration of the planning committee for the event scheduled to take place from June 11 to 13, 2025 in Abuja.
According to Musawa, Nigeria’s selection as the host country for the meeting reflects the confidence the international tourism community has in its capabilities and potential.
“It is a testament to our growing influence within the African and global tourism sectors.
“It will showcase Nigeria’s diverse culture, vibrant arts, scenic landscapes, and the warmth of our people to a global audience and shape the discourse on critical issues such as sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth within tourism.
“It is a platform to Interact, exchange ideas and best practices with experts in the industry as well as opportunity for tourism stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from other countries.”
The Minister emphasised that the CAF event presents a significant opportunity to reposition Nigeria on the global stage as a premier tourism destination.
She highlighted the event’s potential to showcase Nigeria’s cultural richness, diverse attractions, and aspirations for growth in the tourism sector.
The minister noted that the UN event presents numerous economic benefits to Nigeria, including the generation of foreign exchange through accommodation in hotels, airfare and souvenirs purchased by foreign delegates.
She added that the meeting would project the country’s image as a safe and desirable destination for leisure and business as well as promote its tourism products and services.
“By this inauguration, we begin the full implementation of the task ahead of us which is enormous; however, I am delighted with the level of persons that make up the committee.
“This occasion is both a milestone and a call to action, as we come together to begin the meticulous planning for an event of global significance.
“As you know, arrangements for a meeting of this sort are very complex and demanding, you are therefore encouraged to give your feedback on all aspects of the planning.
According to Musawa, the terms of reference of the committee are to develop a comprehensive and innovative event strategy and ensure seamless logistical arrangements that reflect Nigeria’s organisational excellence.
Others include to engage local and international stakeholders in ways that inspire collaboration and to create opportunities for legacy projects that will elevate Nigeria’s tourism sector long after the meeting concludes.
The Main Planning Committee comprises representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), security organisations.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), apex body of private-sector tourism stakeholders, is represented by the President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who promised the full support of the private sector in hosting the event.
NAN reports that the UN Tourism Commission has the mandate to promote sustainable tourism development by encouraging practices that safeguard the environment preserve cultural heritage and contribute to community well-being.
It encourages regional cooperation by strengthening partnerships among African countries to address cross-border tourism challenges and improve tourism offerings.
The commission also fosters inclusive economic growth by supporting tourism initiatives that create employment, particularly for women and youth, and drive local economic development
It also attracts investments and partnerships in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and eco-tourism projects to bolster the sector’s capacity.
The theme for the 2025 meeting is ‘Harnessing Technological Solutions (AI) for the Future of African Tourism: Innovations Growth and Digital Transformation in Tourism’.
The event would feature workshop for Nigeria participants, which will hold parallel to the Commission on the theme ‘Empowering African Communities through Tourism and Creative Industry Innovation’. (NAN)
