The partnership between the Americas and Africa in the tourism sector is enriched by the vast creative industries and the deeply rooted traditions and cultures of both continents.

UN Tourism, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, will hold the “1st UN Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas” in Punta Cana from October 3 to 5.

Both regions possess a wide variety of impressive natural attractions, highlights UN Tourism, highlighting the rich cultural legacy and the wide range of experiences yet to be discovered, where the tourism sector offers a viable path for economic diversification, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, preservation and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage, and sustainable development.

Africa and the Americas in 2023 together recorded 267 million international tourist arrivals, contributing 371 billion dollars in export earnings to the economies of their respective countries, highlighted UN Tourism.

He said that this rebound and increase of almost 31% over 2022 in international arrivals is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere and investments in tourism have a crucial role to play.

In the period 2018-2023 the two regions have recorded 470 announced foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the tourism sector, representing a total capital investment of US$37.4 billion.

The partnership between the Americas and Africa in the tourism sector is enriched by the vast creative industries and the deeply rooted traditions and cultures of both continents. In addition, he indicates, gastronomy plays a fundamental role in expanding tourism relations, enhancing economic opportunities and nurturing cultural dialogue between these vibrant regions, thus representing a crucial milestone to unlock a new horizon of mutual growth and sustainable development.

By building bridges across the Atlantic, these regions can leverage their collective strengths to address global challenges and drive sustainable development and accelerate and foster positive change for all.

This first joint meeting represents a step towards realizing this vision, offering a framework for a partnership that is not only beneficial but also transformative, marking a new chapter in the history of South-South cooperation.