Partnership successes will unite Africa tourism

Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Vanilla Islands Tourism Organization, was invited to participate at the first ministerial roundtable meeting at the 2014 Indaba tourism show opening in Durban, South Africa.

The event, hosted by the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Marthinus van Schalkwyk, was to debate the current state of tourism in Africa

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, delivered an inspiring keynote that launched the discussions and set the target for Africa, being the world-preferred destination.

A few issues emerged from the debate and particularly the problems of visa, air links, and political engagement toward tourism.

The ministerial participants from South Africa, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Ghana, Lesotho, Zambia, and Madagascar along with many other top tourism players agreed that even if decisions were taken in the Yamoussoukro Declaration, time is now urging for the continent to take action.

As part of the panel, Mr. Viroleau insisted on making a first small but relevant step and not to wait for all countries to be tourism united before promoting Africa.

The regional bodies, the regional collaborations, and winning partnership between any African countries must be showcased widely using Africa as an umbrella brand. Following this, the Seychelles Minister, Mr. Alain St.Ange, said: “Africa must talk to Africa.” Mr. Viroleau added that “Partnership successes will unite Africa tourism.”