The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently concluded a four-day workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, aimed at promoting intra-regional tourism and harmonizing regulatory frameworks across member states. Organized by the Directorate of Private Sector under the leadership of Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, and represented by Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Acting Director of Private Sector, the event brought together tourism officials, regulators, and key stakeholders from across the region.
Held from December 16 to 19, 2024, the workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of tourism regulators and officials in aligning with the ECOWAS vision of fostering regional integration through tourism. Key outcomes of the event included improving compliance with regional tourism regulations, enhancing cooperation among member states, and building capacity to implement the ambitious ECOTOUR 19-29 strategy, which aims to position West Africa as a premier tourism destination.
Dr. Elumelu emphasized the importance of integrating tourism into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade-in-services agenda, noting its potential to drive economic resilience, innovation, and regional collaboration. He stated, “This workshop aims to create a sustainable foundation for tourism growth by harmonizing regulatory frameworks and operationalizing intra-regional tourism initiatives. ECOWAS envisions West Africa as a united region leveraging its cultural and natural resources to promote regional integration and economic development.”
The workshop highlighted the significance of intra-regional tourism in addressing key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent standards, and limited networking opportunities. It also offered a platform for participants to share best practices, explore investment opportunities, and develop actionable strategies for sustainable tourism development.
A crucial aspect of the discussions was how intra-regional tourism could contribute to job creation, cultural exchange, and economic diversification in West Africa’s 15 member states, which collectively boast rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems. Participants agreed on the need for greater synergy between public and private sectors to unlock the region’s full tourism potential.
The Directorate of Private Sector reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ECOWAS member states in achieving these objectives. With over 300 million citizens and a shared vision of “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All” by 2050, the regional body is keen to make intra-regional tourism a cornerstone of its integration agenda.
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