President Tinubu has called on African nations to adopt eco-friendly tourism policies to preserve cultural heritage and boost sustainable development at the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting

Eco-friendly tourism must become a priority across Africa to preserve the continent’s cultural heritage and ensure long-term prosperity, President Bola Tinubu has urged.

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The Nigerian leader made this call on Wednesday while declaring open the 68th Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu underscored the importance of sustainable tourism policies that reflect Africa’s unique environmental and cultural contexts.

He emphasised the need for actionable partnerships to boost tourism infrastructure and drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to him, the ultimate goal is to place Africa at the centre of global discussions on tourism as a catalyst for economic growth.

“Through collaboration with regional bodies, such as the African Union, ECOWAS and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African nations to adopt policies promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving cultural heritage,” the President stated.

This collaborative approach, he said, includes sharing best practices, tourism training, joint marketing for sustainable destinations, and improving infrastructure to facilitate intra-African travel.

President Tinubu highlighted that tourism is far more than travel: “It is an engine of local economies, a catalyst for social understanding, and a bridge that unites cultures.”

He further noted that innovation and technology have reshaped global tourism opportunities, making it essential for the African continent to align its strategies with emerging trends in AI, creativity, and digital transformation.

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By embracing eco-friendly tourism, Tinubu argued, Africa can secure both environmental integrity and economic advancement—turning the continent into a leading global player in sustainable travel and cultural preservation.