KIGALI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending the 23rd World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in the Rwandan capital of Kigali on Thursday called for collaborative and concerted efforts to promote sustainable travel and the tourism industry in Africa to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
They were speaking at the formal opening ceremony of a three-day conference that brought together more than 1,000 participants, including heads of state, policymakers, government officials, travel leaders, and champions of conservation from across the globe, to discuss the future of global travel and tourism.
"This summit is not about Rwanda; it's about Africa. Africa, a remarkable continent, has transformed," said Julia Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the WTTC.
Simpson forecasted that over the next 10 years, Africa's tourism sector is set to grow by 5.1 percent annually, emphasizing that the promotion of sustainable travel and tourism in Africa holds the key to strong economic development on the continent.
"Tourism and travel progress is not just about the makeup of our sector, but it is about how we welcome differences, how we take care of people -- our own people and customers, how we create a sense of belonging, a sense of home," she said.
Speaking at the event, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Africa is endowed with rich, abundant natural and cultural tourist attractions, and tourism contributes considerably to most African economies.
"Africa should continue to prioritize sustainable tourism practices by minimizing the environmental footprint of tourism activities, promoting the conservation of natural resources, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives," she added.
According to her, Africa should also emphasize ecotourism, which promotes responsible travel to natural areas, contributing to conservation efforts, and providing sustainable economic benefits for local communities.
Hassan highlighted that the tourism sector contributes up to 17.2 percent of Tanzania's gross domestic product (GDP) and 25 percent of the country's total export earnings. "Africa can leverage tourism to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities."
Speaking at the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said globally, the travel and tourism industry has recovered strongly, but the high cost of air travel to Africa and within Africa remains a barrier.
"Implementation of the single African air transport market is, therefore, an important priority. We should not lose sight of our own continental market. Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come," he added.
Kagame said Rwanda identified tourism as a key driver of the country's economic growth and employment. "Every year, we welcome so many visitors who come to Rwanda to enjoy the unique natural beauty, attend sporting events, or participate in gatherings. This is a privilege and trust that we do not take for granted."
The WTTC Global Summit, being held for the first time on the African continent, will deliberate on efforts to support the sector's recovery and move to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. The event runs until Friday.
