UN Tourism Establishes Groundbreaking Office in Rabat
On April 23, 2026, Rabat proudly inaugurated the first thematic office of UN Tourism dedicated to innovation across Africa. This significant initiative aims to bolster the implementation of the UN Tourism Agenda 2030 for the continent, aspiring to leverage tourism as a powerful tool for both economic and social development. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Craft Industry, and Social Economy, alongside Shaikha Al Nowais, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. The event also saw participation from ambassadors of African countries that are members of UN Tourism and representatives from the United Nations system in Morocco.
A Continental Office with a Vision for Africa
The thematic office is set to engage in pivotal actions through capacity-building programs aimed at public and private stakeholders, as well as forums dedicated to tourism innovation and initiatives supporting entrepreneurship at a continental level. It aspires to become a central hub for ideas, talent, and partnerships that will shape the future of African tourism. With its extensive experience in tourism development and its standing as a leading destination on the continent, Morocco emerges as a natural ally to spearhead this collective project. Its geographical proximity and commitment to South-South cooperation further solidify its role as a credible anchor for an office dedicated to the entire continent.
According to Shaikha Al Nowais, the inauguration of this office represents a major milestone for the tourism sector, signaling significant progress for Morocco, which aims to attract 20 million international visitors this year. She emphasized that this initiative reflects a strategic choice, noting that the office is not merely an institutional framework but a proactive platform designed to support startups, accelerate digital transformation, and develop the necessary skills to shape the future of tourism in Africa. From its inception, the office will implement capacity-building programs, tourism innovation forums, and continent-wide entrepreneurial support initiatives to foster the emergence of African solutions to industry challenges.
This inauguration also comes at a time when there is a strengthening of cooperation among African tourism stakeholders, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and job creation. The legal framework for this office is backed by a host country agreement signed in January 2025 in Marrakech and a financial and administrative agreement concluded in May 2025 in Segovia, ensuring the operational and functional conditions needed for its activities.
As reported by lecourrierdelatlas.com.
