UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia, successfully hosted the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit from April 8 to 10, 2025, in the scenic city of Livingstone. The high-level gathering brought together tourism ministers, government representatives, technical experts, private sector stakeholders, and development partners across Africa and the Americas, signaling a decisive step forward in deepening South-South cooperation in global tourism development.
This year’s summit built on the foundation of the inaugural edition held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and advanced the goals of the Punta Cana Declaration through a focused agenda on innovation, technical cooperation, air connectivity, investment, and workforce development.
A Unifying Call for Action
Opening the summit, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the significance of the event as a symbol of unity and progress between two continents.
“This summit is proof of the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans,” he stated. “Now, with recovery complete, we look to the future. We must build a more resilient tourism sector — and do so through the key pillars of connectivity, investment, and workforce development.” His message resonated with delegates from over 40 UN Tourism Member States, as well as representatives from development banks, private investors, and education institutions.
Strong Recovery and Renewed Momentum
The summit took place against the backdrop of a robust recovery in global tourism. According to the latest data presented by UN Tourism, Africa welcomed 74 million international visitors in 2024—up 12% from the previous year and 7% above pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the Americas received 213 million arrivals, reaching 97% of their 2019 figures.
“These numbers demonstrate not only the sector’s resilience but also its capacity to grow stronger through cooperation,” said Pololikashvili. “Africa and the Americas are not just connected by history and culture—they are now united by ambition and a shared vision for inclusive growth.”
A Strategy Built on Three Pillars
The summit revolved around three strategic areas: enhancing connectivity, driving investment, and accelerating skills development.
On connectivity, Pololikashvili underlined the importance of improved air links to stimulate tourism and trade. UN Tourism is committed to supporting its Member States through technical assistance and regional cooperation.
On investment, he noted that between 2019 and 2023, Africa and the Americas attracted over $40 billion in foreign direct investment through 520 greenfield projects, creating around 150,000 jobs. Encouragingly, over half of these investments were in sustainable tourism, reflecting global trends towards environmentally conscious development.
On skills and workforce development, the summit highlighted the urgency of equipping young people with the tools to thrive. Special attention was given to the outcomes of the Travel Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit held a day earlier in Lusaka, which reaffirmed the public and private sector’s shared commitment to education and training.
Putting the Punta Cana Declaration into Practice
The summit also showcased tangible progress in implementing the Punta Cana Declaration. UN Tourism reported significant increases in interregional investment, with Africa funding 36 tourism projects worth USD 3.9 billion across the Americas, and Latin America and the Caribbean reciprocating with 34 projects in Africa.
To build on this success, UN Tourism announced plans for a Biennial Africa-Americas Tourism Investment Conference, which will connect stakeholders across both regions and align investments with sustainable development objectives.
Innovation and Youth Empowerment
Innovation and talent development are featured prominently. Initiatives such as the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality in Livingstone received praise, while the launch of the upcoming “Bridges of Innovation” start-up competition was announced, aiming to spotlight emerging tourism enterprises that promote inclusion and sustainability. In addition, UN Tourism revealed plans to roll out new WhatsApp-based professional training programs, aiming to reach 2,000 tourism professionals across Africa and the Americas by the end of 2025.
Addressing Barriers and Building Trust
The summit also addressed structural barriers to tourism development. A new partnership with Guatemala’s tourism institute (INGUAT) to improve air connectivity was presented, alongside plans for the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, scheduled for July 2025 in Angola.
Tourism safety and crisis preparedness were addressed through the ongoing Safety of Destinations Initiative (SAFE-D), which promotes greater collaboration between governments and industry players to protect travelers and boost confidence in both regions.
A Roadmap for the Future
As the summit concluded, a clear message emerged: the Africa-Americas tourism partnership is no longer a vision—it is an operational reality. Leaders from both continents expressed their commitment to building a future-ready tourism sector grounded in resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity.
“Together, we are mapping out new pathways for sincere and authentic cooperation,” Secretary-General Pololikashvili said in his closing remarks. “This summit is a milestone—but also a starting point for deeper engagement, innovation, and impact.”
With the successful conclusion of the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit, Livingstone not only served as a historic venue for dialogue—it became a symbol of renewed purpose and shared opportunity for two continents bound by a common future in tourism.
