By Daniel Adu Darko
Accra, Sept. 27, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, Founding President of the Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN), has called for a renewed commitment to prioritising tourism as a tool for peace, cultural understanding and inclusive prosperity across the continent.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to mark this year’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Day, Mr Frimpong said tourism remained one of Africa’s most powerful drivers of sustainable development, job creation and regional integration.
He said Africa, endowed with diverse cultures, natural wonders and vibrant communities, had the
potential to remain a global leader in authentic tourism experiences.
However, he emphasised that realising this potential required stronger commitment to research, innovation, policy alignment and inclusive practices that benefited local communities as much as international visitors.
Mr Frimpong said the theme of this year’s celebration highlighted the role of tourism in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future, stressing that ATRN had outlined three critical priorities for Africa.
These include evidence-based policy and research to guide tourism strategies for competitiveness and sustainability; community-centred tourism that translated into tangible benefits for local people while safeguarding culture and heritage; and sustainability and innovation anchored on climate-resilient, technology-driven and environmentally conscious models.
“On this occasion, ATRN calls upon governments,
private sector actors, development partners, and communities across Africa to deepen collaboration and prioritise tourism not only as an economic sector but as a tool for peace, cultural understanding and inclusive prosperity,” Mr Frimpong said.
He added: “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.”
Mr Frimpong reaffirmed ATRN’s commitment to providing research, advocacy and partnerships to strengthen Africa’s tourism ecosystem and ensure that the continent fully harnessed the opportunities tourism presented.
GNA
Christian Akorlie