By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, July 4, GNA – Ghana has won the bid to host the 70th Session of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2027.
The successful bid was announced at the 69th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in Seychelles, where Ghana’s candidature received the endorsement of Member States.
The event is expected to bring together policymakers, tourism professionals, investors, creatives and private sector players to review achievements and chart a new course for tourism development across the continent.
Presenting Ghana’s bid, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the country’s desire to host the Commission meeting reflected its unwavering commitment to promoting tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic transformation, cultural exchange and African integration.
She noted that the event, which would coincide with Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, presented a unique opportunity to celebrate two historic milestones that symbolised Africa’s journey of freedom, resilience, progress and partnership.
“It will provide an appropriate platform to celebrate two historic milestones while strengthening collaboration among African Member States,” she said.
Describing Ghana as the “Gateway to Africa” and the closest landmass to the centre of the world, Madam Gomashie highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant creative arts industry, diverse tourism attractions and stable democratic environment.
She said delegates would have the opportunity to experience Ghana’s colourful festivals, music, dance, cuisine, traditional craftsmanship and historical sites that reflect the country’s contribution to Africa’s history and identity.
The Minister expressed the belief that hosting the Commission’s meeting would strengthen collaboration among African Member States and reinforce Ghana’s position as a leading destination for heritage, cultural and diaspora tourism.
She said the event would showcase the immense potential of tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, create employment opportunities, empower communities and preserve Africa’s cultural heritage, while providing a significant platform to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sectors to Africa and the rest of the world.
“Beyond showcasing the potential of tourism, it will provide Ghana with a platform to promote its culture and creative arts sectors,” she said.
According to her, Ghana would also use the occasion to acknowledge the support of African countries for President John Dramani Mahama’s advocacy, which contributed to the United Nations’ recognition of slavery as the worst form of crime against humanity.
She assured Member States that Ghana was fully prepared to provide the necessary infrastructure, security, hospitality and organisational capacity to host a successful and memorable event, and invited them to join Ghana in celebrating both its 70th Independence Anniversary and the 70th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
[email protected]
[email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong