Member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) have gathered in Durban ahead of their two-day meeting on advancing marine tourism in the region.

Hosted by South Africa, the meeting will include discussions around marine and coastal tourism, its potential to increase economic productivity and create employment opportunities. It will conclude with the creation of a Tourism Core Group and Term of Reference that will inform the implementation of tourism initiatives within IORA.

Coinciding with Africa’s Travel Indaba, the meeting was opened by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Elizabeth Thabethe. In her opening remarks, she said: “Tourism is uniquely positioned to yield substantial benefits for IORA Member States through enhanced tourist linkages and effective marketing. We are hopeful that the establishment of the IORA Tourism Core Group will unlock the benefits of ocean-driven economic growth for the member states.”

Thabethe concluded by encouraging the visitors to explore their host country while they are here.