- On June 3, Minister YU In Chon inaugurated the 2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum, graced by the presence of the President of Mauritius and Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism

- Discussion on Establishing a Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) hosted the 2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum on June 3 (Mon) at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization (Acting President SEO Young Chung, KTO) and the UN Tourism on the occasion of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. Minister YU In Chon officiated the forum’s opening, joined by Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of the Republic of Mauritius, along with five African ministers and vice ministers, including Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, and Chairperson of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.

As the first high-level Korea-Africa forum on tourism, the 2024 Korea-Africa Tourism Forum addressed topics on establishing partnerships to enhance the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. With the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa is emerging as a single market with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 3.4 trillion, positioning itself as a future driving force of global economic development. The forum served as a platform for exploring opportunities for cooperation, including expanding people-to-people exchanges and investment in the tourism sector between Korea and Africa.

Discussing the potential of Africa's tourism industry, exploring cooperation opportunities, and sharing best practices for sustainable and inclusive development

In the first part of the panel discussion, chaired by Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa and former CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, the potential of the African tourism industry and ways for cooperation were discussed. Speakers included Lola Ade-John, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism; Angellah Kairuki, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania (via video); Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board; Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners; and PARK Jong Taek, Director-General of the MCST’s Tourism Policy Bureau.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism discussed on leveraging Nigeria’s cultural influence for tourism through “Nollywood”, the world’s second-largest film industry, by drawing comparisons with Korea’s experience. The CEO of Africa Tourism Partners presented ideas for enhancing Korea-Africa tourism cooperation in the private sector.

In the second part, the presentations involved sharing examples of exemplary tourism policies from Ethiopia, Seychelles, and Korea aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development. SHIM Chang Sup, from Gachon University, delivered cases illustrating Korea’s tourism policy under the topic of “The Role of Tourism in Korea’s Economic Development.”

Second Vice Minister JANG Mi Ran of the MCST hosted a luncheon for key speakers

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History hosts Africa Photo Exhibition on Tourism in conjunction with the forum from June 1 to 7

Meanwhile, Second Vice Minister JANG Mi Ran of the MCST hosted a luncheon with key speakers prior to the forum. After the forum, attendees also visited the African tourism photo exhibition titled “Explore Destination Africa,” held at the front yard of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, to view 38 photos of tourist destinations in 27 African countries. The MCST has organized an outdoor photo exhibition in alignment with the UN Tourism’s representative project, Brand Africa, aimed at portraying a more diverse image of Africa by dispelling stereotypes about the continent, including those related to war and hunger. The exhibition will be open to the public for free from June 1st to 7th.

Minister YU highlighted, “Africa boasts the highest growth potential globally, with 60% of its 1.4 billion people under the age of 25. There are numerous areas for cooperation and mutual growth with our nation, but I firmly believe that tourism, in particular, will serve as a crucial steppingstone for fostering the future partnership between Korea and Africa.”