Ministers responsible for tourism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region have launched the much-anticipated Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, marking a transformative step for the region's tourism industry.
The launch ceremony, hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together high-level dignitaries, including the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, ministers of tourism Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Regional Director Antonio Pedro.
Jointly developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the STMP lays out a strategic vision for sustainable tourism across the IGAD member states, aiming to position the region as a competitive and cohesive tourism destination on the global stage.
It further underscores the plan’s role in driving socio-economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting regional integration.
Speaking at the event, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the immense tourism potential of the IGAD region, citing its rich cultural heritage, unique archaeological sites, and diverse natural landscapes.
"Despite these remarkable assets, our region's global tourism share remains limited. The STMP 2024-2034 is a comprehensive response to this challenge. It seeks to attract investment, foster regional cooperation, and establish tourism as a cornerstone of economic development," said Dr. Workneh.
In a significant moment during the event, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, was named IGAD Tourism Champion for a three-year term.
His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the tourism sector towards sustainability, promoting economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
The STMP launch aligns closely with IGAD Vision 2050 and other regional socio-economic frameworks, aiming to cement tourism’s place as a key driver in the IGAD development agenda.
As the IGAD region embarks on this journey, the success of the STMP will rely on the active collaboration of member states, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
UNECA’s Regional Director reaffirmed the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in ensuring the plan’s success.
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 67 per cent decline, the sector has demonstrated its resilience. For Africa, we reached 92 per cent of pre-crisis tourist levels by 2023, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Moreover, Africa’s travel and tourism market is projected to reach revenues of $23.37 billion by 2024, growing at 7.49 per cent." said Pedro.
Adding " The vision laid out in the Masterplan should not be insurmountable to achieve. It however requires intentional actions that will unlock the capabilities of the tourism sector to drive sustainable growth and development. To begin with, infrastructure development is crucial."
