At UNWTO Global Conference, Stakeholders Explore Connections Between Culture And Tourism

THenational Arts Theatre Iganmu Lagos witnessed the presence of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO) first Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries, in order to advance sustainable development and opportunity across Africa.

Bringing together leaders and some of Africa’s best creative minds such as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Tourism, Lai Mohammed, Governor of Lagos, Babajide Olusola Sanwo- Olu, Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who has served as a UNWTO Ambassador since 2018, Aliko Dangote and others, the 3- day UNWTO conference celebrated the close ties between the two major sectors.

According to UNWTO, the idea is to bridge the gap between the two areas through strategic partnerships with Affiliate Members such as Netflix.

Opening the event, UNWTO Secretary- General Zurab Pololikashvili while addressing delegates said: “The fortunes of tourism and culture are closely linked. When one thrives, the other does too.”

He, however, urged the public and private sectors to explore new ways of harnessing the power of culture and tourism to create jobs and business opportunities, and to drive inclusive development, both in Nigeria and across Africa.

In his remark, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo said: “Our desire to diversify our economy and explore other sustainable sources of revenue has led us to rank the tourism, culture and the creative sector among the priority sectors of the economy. Specifically, tourism has been recognised for its resilience and dynamism.”

Osinbajo also highlighted the ability of music to serve as a global language, bringing people together and allowing them to learn more about the culture and ideas of others.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lai Mohammed, also said: “Today, more than ever, tourism and the creative industry, due to their economic viability, are in the global spotlight and have their place at the forefront of national and international development agenda.”

The Conference also focused on UNWTO’S key strategic objectives, most notably youth empowerment and boosting investments in tourism.