In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the tourism landscape of West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently hosted a three-day workshop in Lagos, focused on establishing unified tourism standards.
According to zawya.com, organized by the Directorate of Private Sector under Mrs. Massandje TOURE-LITSE’s leadership, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss ways to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities for regional tourism development.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Industry, aims to create a unified framework to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the West African tourism industry. Experts from diverse fields are delivering presentations on critical topics such as:
- Standardizing Tourism Businesses: Addressing inconsistencies in service delivery and infrastructure quality across the region,
- Facilitating Free Movement of People: Exploring solutions to ease intra-regional travel and enhance connectivity,
- Hospitality Industry Growth: Highlighting the role of standardized practices in improving guest experiences and fostering regional pride.
- Visa Regimes and Accessibility: Discussing streamlined visa processes to encourage tourism and investment across borders.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the private sector is expected to present a comprehensive framework for standardizing tourism practices in the ECOWAS region. This framework will undergo validation by ECOWAS to ensure it aligns with the region’s goals of economic integration, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
