SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2025 - South-South tourism development took a major step forward as UN Tourism brought together nations from Africa and the Americas at the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & The Americas Summit in Livingstone, Zambia. The event showcased solid progress on the ambitious goals of the Punta Cana Declaration, with concrete plans unveiled for innovation, investment, connectivity, and skills training in the sector.
Bold Commitments Backed by Rising Tourism Numbers
Post-pandemic recovery boosts momentum
According to UN Tourism, international arrivals surged in both regions, with Africa receiving 74 million visitors in 2024—up 7% from 2019—and the Americas welcoming 213 million, nearing pre-pandemic levels. This strong rebound highlighted the potential of enhanced regional collaboration.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated:
“This Summit is proof of the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans. Our roadmap will advance inclusive growth and ensure that tourism remains a driver of shared prosperity. Above all, by focusing on training and skill-building, we’re giving people, especially youth, the means to succeed in today’s competitive world.”
Tourism Investment Drives Growth Across Continents
Bi-continental efforts foster mutual investment
UN Tourism reported notable investment trends between the two regions from 2019 to 2024, with Africa and Latin America each investing USD 3.9 billion across 36 and 34 projects respectively. The Summit spotlighted 18 editions of the “Tourism Doing Business Guidelines,” with 10 more underway. To expand these efforts, UN Tourism announced a Biennial Africa-Americas Tourism Investment Conference aimed at attracting governments, private investors, and development partners.
Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, emphasized through Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba:
“The diversity of experiences and perspectives here today represents a treasure of knowledge which, if collectively harnessed, will enhance our capacity to advance the resilient tourism sector we envision.”
Empowering Youth Through Education and Training
Targeted programs to build tomorrow’s tourism leaders
With over half of the global tourism workforce under 25, education remains a central pillar. Updates included training initiatives in the Dominican Republic, a new Academy in Livingstone, and upcoming education centres in Zimbabwe and the Dominican Republic. A new WhatsApp-based professional development program is also set to reach around 2,000 participants across both continents.
Innovation as a Bridge Between Regions
New competitions and offices fuel tourism tech
UN Tourism revealed plans for its first regional Start-Up Competition—“Bridges of Innovation”—which aims to tackle sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation challenges. Innovation will also take center stage at the upcoming UN Tourism Thematic Office in Morocco, which will support start-ups and recognize emerging talent through Tourism Tech Adventures.
Boosting Connectivity and Confidence
Air links and safety initiatives to enhance regional appeal
Improved air connectivity remains a top priority. Efforts include a new Work Plan in Guatemala and the upcoming 2nd Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, to be hosted in Angola. Delegates also reviewed advancements in the SAFE-D Initiative, which promotes safer travel environments through enhanced public-private collaboration.
To learn more about UN Tourism’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit unwto.org.