Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, has been elected Chairman of the UN World Tourism Organisation Commission for Africa from 2017-2019, at a UNWTO general assembly in Chengdu, China.
Balala confirmed that his first assignment would be to lobby for the establishment of an Africa Tourism Organisation to help improve tourism on the continent. “The Commission will also develop a new safety and security narrative for Africa to overcome negative perceptions about the continent.
“We will leverage on innovation and technology in the industry to leapfrog tourism development in Africa.”
Balala said he would work hand in hand with tourism ministers from across the continent in a bid to market Africa as the best holiday destination. “Sustainable tourism would help create jobs, spur economic growth as well as alleviate poverty in communities that depend on the industry for livelihoods.”
International tourist arrivals to Africa last year grew by eight per cent to 58 million, four million more than in 2015. In 2016, international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 3.9 per cent to 1,24bn, some 46 million more than the previous year.
“Africa deserves to receive more international tourists since it has natural beauty, abundant wildlife, rich history and cultural heritage,” said Balala.
