Somali Tourism Development Discussed at UNWTO Conference in Riyadh
The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Daa’uud Aweys Jaamac, has held a high-level meeting with senior officials from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) during the ongoing UN Tourism Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The UNWTO officials present at the meeting included Elcia Grandcourt, Director for Africa, and Beka Jakeli, Director of International Relations.
The discussions focused on strategies to advance tourism development in Somalia and to establish a strong partnership between Somalia and the UN in promoting the country’s tourism sector.
Minister Daa’uud Aweys provided a detailed briefing on the current progress of Somalia’s tourism services, highlighting initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving service delivery, and creating economic opportunities for the country’s youth through the tourism sector.
During the meeting, Minister Daa’uud Aweys emphasized that the Federal Government of Somalia is committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of individuals working in tourism, aligning closely with UNWTO’s objectives of capacity building and professional development within the sector. He also outlined plans to establish educational institutions and training centers that will offer programs at various levels in tourism and hospitality management.
These initiatives are expected to support the country’s long-term goals of sustainable tourism growth, increased employment opportunities, and enhanced service standards.
The UNWTO officials expressed their appreciation for Somalia’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen its tourism industry. They acknowledged the progress made in rebuilding tourism services and pledged to provide technical support and guidance to help Somalia achieve its tourism development goals.
Both sides agreed on the importance of collaboration in areas such as policy development, training, investment promotion, and international tourism marketing.
Minister Daa’uud Aweys Jaamac is attending the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Riyadh, which is hosted this year by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This conference marks the first time that a Gulf country has hosted the UNWTO General Assembly.
The event brings together government officials, industry leaders, and international tourism experts to discuss global tourism trends, policy frameworks, and strategies for promoting sustainable tourism development worldwide.
The meeting between Somalia’s Minister and UNWTO officials is seen as a significant step toward strengthening Somalia’s engagement with international tourism institutions, attracting investment, and creating a sustainable framework for the development of the country’s tourism sector in the coming years.
