Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African countries to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and preserve cultural heritage across the continent.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday when he declared open the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) UNWTO in Abuja.
The President who was ably represented by the Vice President, Kasim Shettima said the target is to make sure Africa becomes the heart of global discourse in terms of how to harness tourism’s full potential to boost the continent’s economy.
In a statement released by Vice President aide, Tinubu declared Nigeria’s support for adopting sustainable tourism practices across Africa, which he said reflect the continent’s unique challenges.
He said, “By collaborating with regional bodies, such as the African Union, ECOWAS and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African nations to adopt policies promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
“This collaboration includes sharing best practices, tourism training, developing joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism and improving infrastructure to support intra-African travel. 
“Through these regional initiatives, Africa can foster a continent-wide movement toward tourism that benefits both the people and the environment, driving long-term prosperity for Africa.”
The Nigerian leader observed that tourism goes beyond “travelling or visiting historic sites, waterfalls, mountains, and parks,” just as he maintained that the sector “is an engine of local economies, a catalyst for social understanding, and a bridge that unites cultures.
According to him, “The advent of technology and creativity has transformed tourism and its opportunities.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that this conference highlight the impact of AI, Innovation, and Creative Industries on the tourism sector”, he added.
While declaring the regional meeting open, Nigerian leader implored participants “to focus on practical solutions and collaborative strategies that will strengthen intra-African travel.
“Also boost investment in tourism infrastructure, empower local communities, and deepen tourism’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making African tourism the heart of the global conversation.”
Earlier, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, urged African nations to leverage innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and creative industries to unlock the continent’s vast potential in global tourism.
Expressing her deep conviction in President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria, Musawa stated: “I am passionate about Nigeria and the mission and commitment of President Tinubu. 
“I believe in it because of his vision for Nigeria, which I believe will enable the country to take a seat in the comity of global nations as a developed nation. I pray the same for every African nation, and urge us all to rise together.”
The Minister noted that President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is the guiding principle for Nigeria’s sectoral transformation, emphasising that “Africa stands at the forefront of change.
“The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground but on people-powered prosperity, through tourism, culture, the creative economy and the arts.”
Musawa said the event’s theme, “Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries in Africa,” highlights that the future of Africa’s prosperity depends on how boldly and broadly it uses technology to empower people.She pointed out that while the global industry is valued at over $11 trillion, Africa accounts for less than 5% of global tourism revenue and under 1% of global creative exports.
“This is not a deficit or talent scarcity. Today, Nigeria invites Africa to close that gap,” she said.
Representing Lagos State at the event was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe who reaffirmed the State Govt’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable tourism through youth engagement, strategic partnerships, and cultural revitalisation.
He emphasised the critical role that innovation and the creative economy play in driving social impact, especially in urban centres like Lagos.Aregbe said, “In Lagos, we are not just preparing to host Africa. We are working to showcase the limitless potential of Nigerian culture and creativity to the world.
“The CAF 2025 will serve as a platform to elevate tourism, arts, and culture while also fostering dialogue and partnerships that drive real development,” he added.
The Special Adviser used the occasion to highlight ongoing initiatives by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture aimed at empowering creatives, developing tourism infrastructure, and leveraging digital tools to expand global reach.
He noted that collaboration at the federal and continental levels is key to achieving the sector’s full potential.On his part, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvi commended the Tinubu administration for supporting the transformation of the tourism industry in Nigeria, which he said will impact the rest of Africa.
Underscoring tourism as the future of Africa, he said the continent is indeed the new frontier in world tourism, given its huge potential and limitless opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Pololikashvi urged leaders on the continent to address issues related to connectivity across region by reviewing existing visa regimes in a bid to ease the movement of tourists across Africa and beyond.
