By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Sept. 27, GNA – The Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN) has marked this year’s World Tourism Day with a call for strengthened collaboration among African governments, private sector actors, development partners and communities.
It urged stakeholders to reposition tourism not only as a driver of economic growth, but as a catalyst for peace, cultural understanding, and inclusive prosperity.
In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday, in Accra, to commemorate the 2025 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day, the ATRN underscored the need to reimagine Africa’s tourism sector, placing greater emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and community-centered approaches.
It said, “Tourism is more than travel, it is about connecting people, protecting heritage, and building a shared future. Africa must seize this moment to reimagine and reposition its tourism sector for global leadership.”
It said the theme of this year’s celebration, which highlighted tourism’s role in building a more sustainable and resilient future, aligns with ATRN’s mission to promote evidence-based research, policy innovation and inclusive development within the continent’s tourism ecosystem.
According to the Network, three critical priorities must guide Africa’s tourism development agenda, including evidence-based policy and research to inform strategic decision-making and ensure long-term sectoral competitiveness, and community-centered tourism to ensure that tourism growth translates into tangible social and economic benefits for local communities, while preserving cultural heritage.
“Sustainability and innovation is also necessary to promote environmentally conscious, climate-resilient and technology-driven models of tourism.”
The statement emphasized that Africa’s rich cultural diversity, natural landscapes and dynamic
communities offered unique opportunities for authentic and sustainable tourism experiences, capable of driving job creation, regional integration and social cohesion.
“Tourism remains one of Africa’s most powerful drivers of sustainable development. However, realizing its full potential requires stronger commitment to research, innovation, policy alignment, and inclusive practices,” it said.
The ATRN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa’s tourism transformation through robust research, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“We at ATRN remain committed to providing research, advocacy and partnerships that strengthen Africa’s tourism ecosystem and ensure that our continent fully harnesses the opportunities that tourism presents.”
World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, aims to raise awareness of the role
of tourism in fostering international cooperation, economic development and intercultural dialogue.
The Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority is set the commemorate the day in the Oti Region.
GNA
Christian Akorlie