UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 Highlights Tourism's Role In Economic Transformation

The 'UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025' was hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in Dubai as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World). The event featured panel discussions and presentations focusing on the future of tourism in Africa and enhancing collaboration between the UAE and African nations. These sessions aimed to strengthen economic ties by fostering partnerships in tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, financing, and innovation.

During the summit, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for 2026–2029, presented 'The Future of African Tourism'. Her vision for Africa's tourism sector included enhancing connectivity through transportation infrastructure, empowering local communities, investing sustainably in tourism-supporting sectors, and promoting Africa's cultural diversity. She emphasised that these pillars are crucial for transforming African tourism.

The first session titled "The African Growth Story: Tourism Driving Growth and Capital" examined how tourism can drive Africa’s economic transformation. Participants discussed investment opportunities in tourism, culture, and creative industries. They highlighted that strengthening tourism infrastructure is vital for inclusive growth, forming new value chains, and creating opportunities in related sectors across Africa.

Another session focused on air connectivity between African countries and expanding GCC-African aviation partnerships. It also explored diversifying specialised tourism destinations such as eco-tourism, heritage, nature, cultural, and leisure tourism. These efforts aim to maximise economic returns and enhance Africa’s appeal as a global sustainable tourism destination.

The second session titled "Capital Meets Culture: Financing Africa’s Tourism Transformation" explored operators' and investors' roles in developing tourism destinations through innovative hospitality models. Panelists stressed the importance of investments in integrated experiences focusing on service quality and product diversity. They also emphasised boosting long-term investments in hotel and entertainment infrastructure to create growth opportunities.

Technology integration was another key point discussed to develop advanced destination ecosystems meeting global travellers’ expectations while enhancing sustainability through eco-friendly standards. The panelists included Uzoamaka Oshogwe from Transcorp Hotels; Hamza Farooqui from Millat Global Holdings; Liam Findlay from Miral Destinations; and Dr. Senthil Gopinath from ICCA Chair.

Private Sector's Role in Tourism Growth

The third session titled "Private Sector Leading the Way: Investors and Operators at the Forefront" highlighted investors' leading role in shaping Africa's tourism future. Speakers reviewed innovative experiences expanding investment in hospitality infrastructure. They discussed vocational training programs to meet demand for quality services while enhancing enabling infrastructure like transportation, energy, and digital services.

This session featured Duncan O’Rourke from Accor Hotels; Khalid Anib from Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Adrian Messerli from Four Seasons; and Neal Jones from Marriott International. Their insights underscored integrating the entire tourist experience from arrival to accommodation.

African Nations Redefining Tourism

The summit concluded with a ministerial panel titled "Scaling Stories: How African Nations Are Redefining Tourism for Growth." Ministers discussed strategies to diversify visitor experiences and open new investment destinations. Participants included Amadou BA from Senegal; John L. Ololtuaa from Kenya; Dr. José Luís Sá Nogueira from Cabo Verde; Siandou Fofana from Côte d’Ivoire.

They emphasised reshaping global tourism through flexible policies, investment incentives, regional cooperation programmes strengthening competitiveness as a sustainable destination. The panelists concluded by stressing reintroducing Africa as a brand via digital campaigns across the continent while improving data insights for effective policy-making driving sustainable growth.

With inputs from WAM