Morocco speeds up opening of first UN Tourism Innovation Office for Africa

Morocco and the UN World Tourism Organization have signed a financial agreement related to the establishment of the organization’s first African innovation Office in Rabat,Morocco.

The financial agreement was signed Thursday in Madrid by Morocco’s Minister of Tourism,Fatim-Zahra Ammor,and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

This agreement follows host country agreement signed between Morocco and the UNWTO in January. Morocco has been chosen for hosting the  Africa’s first UN Tourism Innovation Office in recognition of the Kingdom’s role as a key partner in supporting tourism growth across the continent.

The WTO regional office will focus on capacity-building initiatives in Africa and support workshops,conferences,and forums centered on innovation. It will also host start-up competitions to encourage entrepreneurial ventures in tourism across the continent

The new office will serve as a hub for innovation in African tourism,with a focus on advancing the UN Tourism 2030 Agenda across the continent. Its goal is to foster African tourism and ensure coordination with partners,while boosting UNWTO’s actions for the benefit of African tourism.

In 2024,Morocco welcomed 17.4 million international tourists,a 20% increase compared to 2023,making it the most-visited country in all of Africa.