Seychelles to Host UN Tourism Commission for Africa Meeting
Seychelles is preparing to host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in July 2026, marking the first time the country has hosted the continental forum since the 1980s. The high-level gathering will bring together tourism ministers from across Africa to deliberate on key sector dynamics, with a particular focus on workforce development and the challenges facing African destinations. A parallel conference on human capital development will also be convened, covering training and capacity building, alongside the unveiling of a comprehensive survey conducted across African countries to inform policy direction.
The announcement follows a courtesy call by UN Tourism's Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, to Seychelles Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, held in the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein and Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis. During the meeting, discussions extended to the broader global context, including the impact of the ongoing Middle East situation on tourism-dependent economies. Grandcourt commended Seychelles for its high standards of facilities and service delivery, describing the island nation as a benchmark for quality tourism on the continent. Vice-President Pillay expressed pride in Grandcourt's senior role at UN Tourism, highlighting Seychelles' continued contribution of women to global tourism leadership.
Source: Zawya
