Hiwotie Typical Ethiopia MICE Tourism’s Post

Leveraging Diaspora Engagement for African Tourism Growth 🌍📍 Africa’s unique and vibrant tourism sector is poised for growth, but one crucial catalyst is often overlooked: the African diaspora. By actively engaging our global communities, we create a mutually beneficial path for cultural exchange, economic upliftment, and tourism growth. Here are some core ways this approach can make a transformative impact: 1️⃣ Cultural Rediscovery - For diaspora communities, returning to ancestral lands fosters a strong, emotional connection with Africa’s stories, history, and heritage. This bond brings depth to their experiences, inspiring others to explore Africa. 2️⃣ Local Investment & Sustainability - Many in the diaspora see Africa not only as a place of heritage but as an opportunity to invest in sustainable and community-based tourism. This promotes growth in ways that honour both local culture and the environment. 3️⃣ Digital Amplification & Advocacy - As members of the diaspora share their experiences, from scenic landscapes to cultural events, they position Africa as a must-visit destination for their wider network. In doing so, they raise awareness and drive interest on a global scale. 4️⃣ Engaging in Digital Spaces - From virtual tours to social media, engaging the diaspora digitally maintains connections, builds interest, and sparks a desire for real-life exploration. The African diaspora represents a powerful, untapped asset for tourism growth. Let’s leverage this global community to foster a tourism sector that’s as resilient, diverse, and inspiring as Africa itself. 🌍✨ #AfricanTourism #DiasporaEngagement #CulturalHeritage #TourismGrowth #AfricaInvestments #CommunityTourism #TravelMarketing

#WorldTourismDay: PROMOTING PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH TOURISM IN AFRICA ➡ This World Tourism Day, we highlight the transformative potential of tourism in fostering #peace and driving #sustainabledevelopment across Africa. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic cities, the continent offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking meaningful, authentic adventures. ➡ Tourism plays a crucial role in promoting peace by facilitating cultural exchange, building understanding among diverse communities, and enhancing social cohesion. It also serves as a key driver of economic growth, creating opportunities that contribute to sustainable development across the region. ➡ The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is committed to strengthening Africa’s tourism and cultural sectors, recognizing their immense potential for peacebuilding and economic progress. ➡ As one of the five priority service sectors under the AfCFTA agreement, tourism is poised to unlock new opportunities for regional integration and cooperation. This landmark agreement will streamline the movement of goods and people, facilitating increased intra-African tourism and showcasing the continent’s remarkable diversity. ➡ As international interest in Africa’s tourism offerings continues to grow, the continent stands to gain significantly by supporting local economies, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and creating sustainable livelihoods. 🌍 Through responsible tourism, Africa can harness its potential to foster peace, enhance prosperity, and drive long-term sustainability. #Voice4Africa #tourism #africa Hanna Kleber Julia Kleber ReThinking Africa

[READ] The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) presented a detailed growth plan to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism, highlighting strategies to position tourism as a key economic driver. The plan aims to attract 15.7 million international tourists and 12 million domestic trips annually by 2030, creating 1.3 million jobs and increasing the sector’s GDP contribution to R394 billion. Key interventions include modernizing e-visas, improving air access, and fostering public-private partnerships. TBCSA Chairperson Jerry Mabena emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, while TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability. Discover the strategies shaping South Africa's tourism future. You can read the linked article here: https://buff.ly/3OkMLIN What do you think of these goals? Share your thoughts in the comments. #SouthAfrica #Tourism #TBCSA

[WATCH] As South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, the tourism sector is preparing to showcase the country’s diverse offerings on the global stage. Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa highlights plans for a program, “Road to G20,” aimed at ensuring inclusivity and support for SMMEs. Efforts will also continue to enhance safety and security for tourists through collaborations with police and communities. Catch the discussion with Newzroom Afrika here: https://buff.ly/4ij4RIR. What strategies can help the tourism sector leverage this opportunity for growth? Share your thoughts in the comments. #SouthAfrica #Tourism #TBCSA #G20Summit

🌍 Celebrating World Tourism Day: Harnessing Intellectual Property for Africa’s Tourism Growth 🌍 On World Tourism Day 2024, we celebrate the remarkable recovery and potential of the global tourism sector. According to the latest UNWTO data, international arrivals to Africa increased by an impressive 171% in the first seven months of this year compared to 2021, driven primarily by regional demand. What many may not realize is the critical role Intellectual Property (IP) plays in this growth. IP tools like Geographical Indications (GIs) and collective marks are powerful assets that African nations and local authorities can use to showcase their unique cultural and natural offerings. These labels help attract visitors and investors interested in discovering the craftsmanship of local entrepreneurs and the rich natural resources embedded in the region’s products. By leveraging IP strategically, countries can strengthen their brand identity on the global stage. Producers, artisans, and local collectives protected by OAPI registrations gain a competitive edge, facilitating international branding and boosting market access. As Africa’s tourism continues to thrive, IP will play a key role in promoting sustainable growth, preserving cultural heritage, and driving economic empowerment for local communities. #WorldTourismDay #AfricaTourism #IntellectualProperty #GeographicalIndications #CollectiveMarks #OAPI #CulturalHeritage #SustainableTourism #TourismGrowth

Empowering Africa through Tourism and Hospitality Capacity Building As we work towards achieving the African Union Agenda 2063, one thing is clear: equipping communities with skills is key to sustainable tourism development and inclusiveness. By investing in tourism and hospitality capacity building, we unlock opportunities for sustainable development, inclusiveness, and community empowerment across the continent. From creating employment opportunities to fostering innovation, capacity-building initiatives are vital for ensuring that African destinations remain competitive and resilient in the global market. It is through initiatives like Capacity Buildings we could inspire excellence, share best practices, and empower individuals to become the driving force behind a prosperous tourism future for Africa. #TourismCapacityBuilding #SustainableTourism #EmpoweringAfrica #Agenda2063 #AfricanTourismBoard

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has welcomed the Department of Tourism’s White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. This important document aims to strengthen the industry by addressing current challenges and creating new growth opportunities. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, TBCSA CEO, states: “The publication of the white paper is highly significant as it provides a clear guide on the policy direction we need to pursue. It also outlines high-level potential solutions to some of the key challenges facing the industry. The next step is to ensure that legislation is developed to support the key elements in the white paper. We must also remain mindful of the changing global landscape to avoid limiting ourselves when transitioning to the next stage, which is the legislative framework. Furthermore, it is essential that the tourism master plan is aligned with the white paper. The white paper addresses long-term policy considerations, and the master plan must determine whether these can be implemented in five-year increments to achieve the broader vision and goals.” We encourage stakeholders to engage with the white paper and stay informed about these developments, which are set to enhance travel experiences in South Africa. What are your thoughts on the future of tourism in our country? Share your insights in the comments! #TBCSA #SouthAfrica #Tourism #WhitePaper

World Tourism Day 2024: Tourism and Peace – Strengthening Caribbean Cooperation with Africa and the Middle East On September 27, we celebrate United Nations #WorldTourismDay under the theme "Tourism and Peace", recognising how #tourism fosters #peace, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. For the #Caribbean, world-renowned for its vibrant cultures and natural beauty, tourism is not just an economic driver—it is a key force for deeper international relations, particularly with #Africa and the #MiddleEast. Tourism brings people together, defying stereotypes, building trust, and fostering lasting partnerships. At the Saudi-CARICOM Summit in 2023, #CARICOM leaders discovered a new side of #SaudiArabia, breaking down misperceptions and opening doors for future #cooperation. Similarly, Ghanaian influencer Wode Maya ®’s visit to #Barbados during #CropOver in August 2024 did more than showcase a unique Caribbean cultural event. His spontaneous meeting with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley “on the road” astonished him and his 1.6 million YouTube followers, showcasing the unique accessibility and openness of Caribbean leaders and cultures. While the Caribbean’s tourism dependence poses challenges—especially considering vulnerabilities to #climatechange and global #travel disruptions—this sector is a powerful asset for promoting peace and cooperation. Direct aviation routes between the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East would amplify tourism’s potential as a platform for #culturaldiplomacy. By facilitating greater tourism flows, these connections could spark deeper #culturalexchange, opening doors to new economic opportunities and partnerships. Tourism, at its core, connects people—enabling the discovery of new cultures, fostering empathy and mutual understanding, and breaking down barriers. For the Caribbean, it offers a unique avenue to strengthen diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties with Africa and the Middle East, contributing to lasting #peace and mutual #prosperity. #eGovern #TourismAndPeace #CaribbeanTourism #CARICOM #AfricaMiddleEastRelations #EconomicCooperation #InternationalCooperation Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) CARICOM: Caribbean Community UN Tourism Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Grenada Tourism Authority Guyana Tourism Authority

6 out of 10 young South Africans have yet to explore their own continent. This was the key stat that drove conversation at yesterday’s Marketing Panel Discussion, featuring our very own CMO of SA Tourism Thembisile Sehloho, née Sithole (MBA). With diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences, African travel is for EVERYONE. As a tourism sector united, African countries need to work together to curate a seamless travel experience that speaks to the real needs of a young African traveller. The panel agreed that, while it’s important to ensure African tourism offerings are on par with international products, we must never forget what makes Africa unique. #TravelIndaba24 #ATI2024 #VisitSouthAfrica  

KENYA TO LEVERAGE DIASPORA COMMUNITY TO BOOST TOURISM While in Paris during the Paris Olympics, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei unveiled its new strategy, Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora, designed to tap into the potential of Kenyans living abroad to enhance tourism. The campaign aims to leverage the Kenyan diaspora, estimated to reach four million by the end of 2023, to attract one tourist per diaspora member annually. The Ziara Kenya strategy draws inspiration from successful diaspora-driven tourism campaigns in other African nations, such as Ghana's Year of Return, Senegal and Gambia's Homecoming Festival, Ethiopia's Northern Historic Route, and South Africa's Footsteps of Mandela Tour. This initiative is expected to increase tourism arrivals, boost the economy, and strengthen ties between the diaspora and Kenya, enhancing the country’s global image as a prime tourist destination. At Viutravel, we view the Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora initiative as a brilliant strategy, particularly as many Kenyans explore opportunities abroad. This initiative not only aims to boost tourism but also plays a pivotal role in preserving and sharing Kenya’s culture with the global community. We believe this step will strengthen the connection between Kenyans abroad and their homeland, while showcasing Kenya's vibrant culture to the world.#KenyaninDiaspora #parisolympics #Tourism #strengthen #senegalhomecomingfestival #ghanayearofreturn #gambiayearofreturn #ethiopianorthernhistoricroute #southafricafootstepsofMandelatour #Ziarakenyaonediaspora