Nigeria confirms its readiness to host the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in Abuja from June 11-13, 2025, focusing on sustainable tourism and innovation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed its preparedness to host the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja from June 11 to 13, 2025.

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The significant event, themed “Boosting the Social Impact and Education in Tourism through Innovation, AI, and the Creative Industries,” aims to foster sustainable tourism development and enhance cultural exchange across the African continent.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, conveyed Nigeria’s assurance during a courtesy visit from a two-person team representing the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Minister Musawa expressed Nigeria’s enthusiasm to host this prestigious gathering, emphasizing the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and its considerable tourism potential.

“We are excited to host this important event and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential,” Minister Musawa stated. “We look forward to working closely with the UN Tourism and other stakeholders to make this event a resounding success.”

A statement released by the Minister’s Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, revealed that the meeting will convene key stakeholders from across the African continent to engage in discussions on strategic policies, explore emerging trends within the tourism sector, and foster crucial collaborations aimed at advancing tourism’s vital role in sustainable development.

Furthermore, a dedicated technical workshop focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence will be conducted during the meeting. This workshop is designed to build the capacity of local teams in effectively leveraging new technologies to maximize the potential of the tourism sector.

Earlier in her address, the UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Elicia Grandcourt, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to successfully host the event, citing the country’s positive track record in hosting previous high-level meetings.

The upcoming event is also expected to provide significant benefits for Nigerian youth by creating empowerment opportunities through the exploration and application of AI and innovation within the tourism and creative industries.