Accra: Tourism experts across West Africa have underscored the need to accelerate the development of the region's tourism sector, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote cultural exchange. They made these remarks at the eighth edition of the West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025), which began on Friday in Ghana. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event focuses on seamless travel in West Africa, exploring its opportunities and challenges, and features a summit for West African tour operators. It has the theme: 'Reimagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol'. Dr. Tony Luka-Elumelu, Director, Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission, stated that tourism in Africa encompasses a wide range of experiences and benefits beyond mobility. He highlighted the growing demand for tourism in West Africa and the continent in general, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a desire for unique experiences. He emphasized the importance of protecting tourism sites with passion to e levate Africa as a destination continent. Luka-Elumelu also noted that ECOWAS had made significant contributions to tourism in West Africa through various initiatives. He explained that some of these include a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping stakeholders with essential tools to improve tourism standards, attract investment, and enhance cooperation across member states. Additionally, ECOWAS introduced the ECOTOUR Policy, a comprehensive framework aimed at making West Africa a competitive and preferred global tourism destination. Similarly, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), noted tourism's crucial role in West Africa's economic growth and development. He stressed the importance of delivering tailored tourism experiences that meet the needs of different visitor segments and leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the tourism experience. Mensah cited digital transformation as key to unlocking Africa's tourism potential, from digital boo king systems to immersive cultural experiences powered by technology. Mr. Gideon Asare, Managing Director, Adansi Travels, urged destination marketers to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance the visitor experience, increase tourism revenue, and promote sustainable practices within the sector. He encouraged operators to tap into AI-enabled platforms to enhance their services. Mr. Ikechi Uko, organiser of the Accra Weizo Travel Expo, emphasized that the event aims to foster seamless travel in West Africa. He highlighted the need to improve travel and tourism growth through easy access to towns and cities within the region, simplifying airport and border processes, and encouraging West Africans to travel within the region to create a seamless travel environment. NAN reports that the event drew stakeholders from countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others.
Menu