Geneva, 29 June 2016 – Reaching the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, having a medical procedure in Tunisia, observing Rhino’s at an eco-lodge in Namibia, rafting the Zambezi River, these are all forms of a growing and eclectic tourism industry in Africa. This year, UNCTAD’s ‘Economic Development in Africa Report 2017’ focuses on ‘Tourism for transformative and inclusive growth’ and encourages African countries to harness the dynamism of the tourism sector.

The United Nations designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The tourism sector has been praised for its capacity to stimulate economic growth through the creation of jobs and by attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship, while also contributing, if properly harnessed, to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, protection of cultural heritage and promotion of empowerment of local communities.

The UNCTAD report addresses some of the below key questions:

  • How does tourism contribute to structural transformation and more inclusive growth?
  • How can linkages between tourism and other productive sectors be harnessed to create additional economic opportunities and provide sustainable livelihoods?
  • How can the economic potential of intraregional tourism be fostered and better exploited through deeper regional integration?
  • What is the relationship between tourism and peace?

The ‘Economic Development in Africa Report 2017’ will be launched on 5 July 2017. In New York, a press briefing with Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Chief, New York Office, UNCTAD, will be held in S-237 at UN Headquarters at 11:00am (EST). Join UNCTAD for Press Conferences, and learn about the latest Economic Development in Africa Report from experts.

 

Journalists having access to the UNCTAD virtual newsroom may download press releases and summaries of UNCTAD reports. 

Access to the virtual newsroom requires a password. To obtain one, please fill out the form online. 

After the lifting of the embargo, documents related to the report will be available on the main UNCTAD website.

For further information or to request interviews with UNCTAD experts, please contact the UNCTAD Press Office (+41 22 917 5828/1435/5549/5166, unctadpress@unctad.org).