Inauguration of the UN Tourism Thematic Office in Rabat
On Wednesday, Morocco, in collaboration with UN Tourism, inaugurated the UN Tourism Thematic Office focused on Innovation for Africa in Rabat. This significant event marks the establishment of the first permanent office of the organization on the African continent, with officials expressing their commitment to enhancing investment, digitalization, and skills development to unlock the untapped potential of tourism across Africa.
The official opening ceremony was presided over by Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim‑Zahra Ammor, alongside UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais. The event was attended by ambassadors from African UN Tourism member states, representatives of the United Nations system in Morocco, and various institutional partners, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind this initiative.
Empowering Africa's Tourism Sector
During her address, Minister Ammor emphasized that the new office symbolizes a collective understanding that Africa's tourism transformation must originate from within the continent itself, capitalizing on its rich cultural, natural, and human resources. She pointed out that despite possessing extraordinary assets, Africa only captures a mere 5% of global tourist arrivals and revenue. "With this office, our ambition is to help close that gap by empowering African innovation and entrepreneurship," Ammor stated.
Morocco, which welcomed nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, generating approximately 138 billion dirhams ($13.8 billion) in tourism revenue, is well-positioned to host this office. The Minister projected a bright future for the sector, forecasting that tourism arrivals could exceed 26 million by 2030, with annual revenues soaring to around 200 billion dirhams, driven by innovation, improved air connectivity, and skills development. Currently, the tourism sector supports about 2.5 million jobs directly and indirectly in Morocco, a figure that could potentially increase by 40% by the end of the decade if the current strategies are maintained.
Moreover, Minister Ammor highlighted the commitment of King Mohammed VI to South-South cooperation, asserting that the Rabat office will serve as a vital platform for collaboration and actionable initiatives aimed at fostering a competitive and sustainable African tourism sector that generates job opportunities for the youth.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Al Nowais reinforced this vision, stating that the Rabat-based office would act as an operational center rather than a mere symbolic presence. "Today, we are not simply inaugurating an office. We are launching a platform for action," she declared, emphasizing the focus on supporting startups, accelerating digital transformation, and developing the skills necessary to shape the future of tourism across the continent.
As per UN Tourism estimates presented during the event, international tourist arrivals to Africa could grow at an annual rate of 6–7% through 2035, provided there is a significant investment in innovation, infrastructure, and human capital. This growth could potentially double the economic contribution of the tourism sector on the continent.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
