Dine Bouraima Preaches Peaceful Tourism at ATB’s World Tourism Day 2024 Virtual Celebration
°Virtual Event Draws Distinguished Guests to Discuss Africa’s Path to Sustainable Development Through Tourism
The African Tourism Board (ATB) hosted a well-attended webinar to celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, focusing on the theme “Tourism and Peace: Fostering Unity Through Tourism in Africa.” The event held virtually yesterday brought together key tourism stakeholders within Africa and across the world to explore the role of tourism as a bridge for cultural exchange, economic growth, and peacebuilding across the African continent.
Hon. Mouinou Dine Bouraima, Vice President of the African Tourism Board, opened the event with a compelling keynote speech, highlighting tourism as a fundamental driver of unity and reconciliation. He emphasized that tourism’s value extends beyond economics, serving as an essential platform for cultural understanding, tolerance, and peace.
Distinguished Guests and Special Acknowledgements
In his opening remarks, Hon. Bouraima welcomed esteemed participants, including:
Hon. Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire
H.E. Philda Nani Kereng, High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria and former Minister of Environment and Tourism of Botswana
Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)
Mr. Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman and Executive President of the African Tourism Board
He extended special gratitude to Hon. Siandou Fofana for his exemplary efforts in developing Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism sector, underscoring his commitment to fostering sustainable development and promoting unity across West Africa.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Peace and Economic Growth
In his address, Hon. Bouraima stressed the importance of peace through tourism, explaining that interactions between travelers and host communities build mutual respect and empathy, breaking down cultural barriers. “Tourism is not merely an economic activity; it is a true instrument of peace,” he remarked. He added that tourism contributes to global harmony by offering opportunities for people from different backgrounds to engage and connect meaningfully.
Hon. Bouraima also provided insights into the growth of the global tourism sector, revealing that in 2023, over 1.4 billion people traveled globally, generating more than $1.7 trillion in revenue. Despite Africa’s share being smaller, the continent still recorded significant growth, contributing 8.5% to GDP and welcoming 70 million international visitors.
He further emphasized that, with 60% of Africa’s population under 25 years old, the youth hold immense potential to transform the tourism landscape and leveraging digital platforms and technology which will be crucial in creating economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and revitalizing tourism across the continent.
Pioneering Tourism Initiatives in Africa
The keynote address praised several African nations for their innovative tourism policies. He spotlighted his native, Benin’s visa waiver policy for all African citizens, which has simplified intra-African travel and strengthened ties with the diaspora. Benin’s offer of citizenship to Afro-descendants was also highlighted as a progressive step towards cultural integration and economic collaboration.
Similarly, Rwanda’s visa-on-arrival policy for all nationalities was commended. This initiative, supported by President Paul Kagame, has significantly boosted Rwanda’s tourism revenue to over $438 million annually, positioning the country as one of Africa’s leading destinations.
Hon. Bouraima urged other African nations to simplify visa regulations, noting that only 25% of African countries currently offer visa-free access or visas on arrival for other African citizens. “Visa reforms are not just administrative measures; they are tools for regional integration and engines of peace,” he affirmed.
Mobilizing Tourism as a Force Against Extremism
In closing, Hon. Bouraima issued a call to private tourism stakeholders to collaborate with governments in combating radicalization and extremism—challenges that threaten tourism development. He emphasized that peaceful and inclusive tourism can serve as a powerful strategy for creating jobs, reducing inequalities, and promoting stability.
“As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us work together to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and build a peaceful future for Africa,” he concluded.
A United Call for Action
The webinar concluded with an open call for participants to share their insights and experiences in promoting peaceful tourism. The session underscored the importance of collective efforts in leveraging tourism to create a more unified and prosperous Africa.
With inspiring contributions from tourism leaders across the continent, the ATB’s World Tourism Day 2024 celebration was a powerful reminder of tourism’s ability to bridge divides, empower communities, and promote lasting peace in Africa.
