In a resounding affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership and com­mitment to advancing tour­ism in Africa, the country has emerged victorious in securing the hosting rights for the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2025.

The announcement was made during the 67th meeting of the Commission held in Livingstone, Republic of Zambia, under Agenda Item 8.

It was gathered that Nigeria’s successful bid saw candidatures and expressions of intent from four member states: Kenya, Algeria, Ni­geria, and Ghana.

However, Ghana withdrew its candidature in support of Nige­ria, further underscoring the con­tinent’s collaborative spirit.

The overwhelming support from member states solidified Nigeria’s position as the host nation for the prestigious event, scheduled for 2025 at a date to be mutually agreed upon by Nigeria and UN Tourism.

The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John expressed gratitude and excitement about the announce­ment, saying, “This is a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence and commitment to promoting tourism as a pivotal sector for economic de­velopment and cultural exchange.

“Hosting the 68th CAF meeting will provide an unparalleled plat­form to showcase Nigeria’s tour­ism potential and foster stronger ties among African nations,” she stated.

Industry watchers said that Ni­geria’s selection is a reflection of its rich history and experience in hosting significant international tourism events.

The country has previously hosted CAF meetings in 2002, 2008, 2012, and 2018, each time demon­strating exemplary organizational capabilities and hospitality.

As the host of the 68th CAF meeting, Nigeria aims to leverage this opportunity to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in pro­moting sustainable tourism.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and innovations that will drive the future of tourism in Africa.

The Nigerian government, un­der the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to emphasize the importance of tourism in the nation’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“This upcoming event is ex­pected to attract global attention, fostering economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and communi­ty-based tourism initiatives.

Preparations are already under­way to ensure that the 68th CAF meeting in Nigeria will be a land­mark event, setting new standards for future meetings.

The Minister reiterated her commitment to delivering an ex­ceptional experience for all dele­gates and participants.

“Nigeria looks forward to wel­coming the world to its vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, as it hosts the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting in 2025.”