ECOWAS Organizes Workshop on tourism standards to chart new path for regional growth

In its efforts to uplift the tourism sector in West Africa, the ECOWAS Private Sector Directorate, under the leadership of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Ms. Massandje TOURE-LITSE, represented by Dr. Tony Luka ELUMELU, Acting Director of the Private Sector, convened a three-day workshop to discuss the normalisation of tourism practices in the region. Held in Lagos from November 25-27, 2024 the event brought together private sector stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders from across West Africa to address challenges and opportunities in regional tourism.

The workshop, organised in collaboration with the Industry Directorate, aims to create a unified framework to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the West African tourism industry. Experts from various fields will deliver presentations on crucial topics such as:
• Standardization of tourism companies: Addressing inconsistencies in service delivery and infrastructure quality in the region,
• Facilitating the free movement of people: Exploring solutions to facilitate intra-regional travel and improve connectivity,
• Hospitality Industry Growth: Highlighting the role of standard practices in improving the customer experience and encouraging regional pride.
• Visa schemes and accessibility: Discussion on streamlining visa procedures to encourage tourism and cross-border investments.

At the end of the workshop, the private sector should present a comprehensive framework for the standardization of tourism practices in the ECOWAS region. This framework will be approved by ECOWAS to ensure that it is in line with the objectives of economic integration, cultural preservation and sustainable development of the region.