Africa-Press – Lesotho. The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) offers a unique opportunity to improve the role of tourism in continental integration, job creation and socio-economic development.
The information is contained in the statement by the African Group, deposited this Tuesday, 16th, at the United Nations headquarters, in New York, by the Permanent Representative of Angola, ambassador Francisco José da Cruz, within the scope of the “High-Level Thematic Debate on Promotion of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism”.
The event is part of the activities of UN Sustainability Week, which has been taking place since Monday, April 15th.
The document highlights that in 2022, the tourism sector in Africa had a significant impact, contributing 6% to its economy, supporting 22 million jobs and injecting US$168 billion into Africa’s GDP.
These contributions highlight the vital role of the sector in the continent’s economic fabric, which in 2023, will attract over 80 million international tourists, confirming its status as a premier travel destination.
“Tourism in Africa transcends economic statistics, being a vibrant expression of our vast cultural heritage and diversity, celebrated across more than 3,000 ethnic groups and languages across the continent”, reads the statement from the African Group.
The Group supports the use of the Statistical Framework for Measuring Tourism Sustainability, recently adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission.
This framework can guide the development of evidence-based policies and help ensure that the tourism sector’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is effectively measured and maximized.
For the African Group, tourism is a complex industry that requires strong international collaboration.
“Today, it is not only important to recognize the economic benefits of tourism, but also its role in promoting global awareness and promoting peace”, he indicates.
In its statement, the Group reiterates that tourism in Africa is a diverse industry with a rich historical past, which offers many opportunities for discovery and learning.
Angola presides over the African Group, in New York, during the month of April.
Angola addresses PLANATUR at UN headquarters
In its statement, Angola highlights the National Tourism Promotion Plan (PLANATUR), which aims to ensure large-scale direct investments to facilitate tourist access to Angola and their internal mobility.
The document also aims to develop public service infrastructures, safeguard the training and qualifications of staff to provide services and improve the legal and regulatory framework for tourist activity in the country.
In the declaration, deposited this Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters, Angola states that tourism can contribute directly or indirectly to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDGs 8, 12 and 14: inclusive and sustainable economic growth , sustainable consumption and production and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, respectively.
“Angola has strong potential in tourism, which represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance the ongoing process of diversifying the country’s economy”, reads the statement.
It was also reiterated that the tourism sector can play a significant role in the country’s sustainable development agenda, creating jobs, distributing economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of communities.
ANGOP
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