The West Africa Tourism Roundtable Series

The West Africa Tourism Report (2021)

The West Africa Tourism Report

The West Africa Tourism Report (2021) is a compilation of the extensive information and insights shared by twelve (12) distinguished professionals and over 200 participants spanning various tourism and allied sectors – hospitality, finance, trade and investment, human resources, real estate, health, safety and security (HSS), and sustainability strategy – on innovative solutions to region-specific constraints hindering tourism development.

These challenges include how to build a vibrant domestic and regional hospitality and tourism industry; health, safety and security for destination competitiveness; tourism entrepreneurship, service quality and the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) on regional trade, travel and tourism; human resource management and talent required for growth in our dynamic industry, and the role of sustainability thinking in tourism development.

Data informs decision-making for policymakers, investors and practitioners. For this reason, we are also launching the ATRA Initiative to Advance Tourism Research in Africa which aims to build upon the roundtable sessions and focus on areas with catalytic impact.

To be a part of the ATRA initiative, please fill the ATRA Initiative Registration Form or send an email to atra@redclayadvisory.com

Communique

The communique from previous editions of the RCA Tourism Roundtable Series can now be accessed and downloaded below:

Download: WATR I Communique

Download: WATR II Communique

Download: WATR III Communique

Download: WATR IV Communique

Download: WATR V Communique

The West Africa Tourism Report (2021)

Concept Note

The RCA Tourism Roundtable series has been designed for selected practitioners who are focused on contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism industry in West Africa.

Much has been said about the under-harnessed potential of the tourism industry in West Africa. However, not much attention is given as to how this potential can be harnessed, as well as the provision of information on destinations and locations in the region that have successfully developed their tourism industry and related sectors. The paucity of reliable data in West Africa also presents challenges to tourism policy recommendations and guidelines as well as investor knowledge about the industry.

The aim of the tourism roundtable series is to provide an avenue for knowledge exchange, innovation and to strengthen links with practitioners and professionals who are interested in harnessing the sustainable tourism potential in West Africa and sustainable tourism models on the continent. It is our hope that these links will contribute to stronger tourism networks across West Africa, even as we work to contribute to the sustainable development of West Africa.

The five-part series has been created as our contribution to addressing some of the tourism development challenges in West Africa, to move the needle forward in tourism planning, implementation, and growth.

Who is invited?

The focus is on experienced practitioners within the industry who are at strategic decision-making levels within their organizations with a focus on West Africa. The roundtable series comes at a timely occasion given the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, and the renewed appreciation for domestic and regional tourism.

The roundtable series will be held in English.

“Our contexts may be different but our issues are similar – and the sharing of ideas and solutions will further enrich our tourism practice and the development of tourism in West Africa.”