Ministers and experts explored how the pledge to drive inclusive growth can be achieved

Patrick Achi, Prime Minister,  Ivory Coast and Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism, welcomed international delegates, signalling Cote d’Ivoire’s firm support of tourism and Tourism Ministers from 12 countries, the biggest Ministerial participation for an official World Tourism Day celebration. The day featured 1,500 participants, including representatives of international organizations and the private sector. 

Ministers and experts explored how the pledge to drive inclusive growth can be achieved. The importance of innovation, targeted investments and strengthened collaboration between public and private sectors was made clear. The speakers also underscored the need for inclusive policymaking as tourism slowly returns and looks to the future. The sector should “commit to inclusive growth so that tourism’s restart brings hope for millions worldwide and ensures that everyone who has a stake in tourism also has a say in its future,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO.

“Cote d’Ivoire is proud to host a World Tourism Day like no other. We must realign tourism so the sector meets the hopes and expectations of people. Tourism is a key sector for Cote d’Ivoire’s growth and development. And the right path for Cote d’Ivoire is also the right path for all of Africa, using tourism as locomotion to drive our economies forward and create jobs for women and youth,” said Achi. World Tourism Day 2021 “showed the human face of tourism,” said Fofana, stressing the sector’s unique ability to lead recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, in Africa and worldwide.

Underscoring UNWTO’s leadership in uniting all of the tourism sectors, its Affiliate Members also met in Abidjan, bringing together African businesses as well as civil society leaders, academics and destination management organizations. The side event showcased the benefits of being part of the global Affiliate Members Network and the technical support and networking opportunities available through being part of UNWTO’s work.