ECOWAS has launched a three-day workshop in Lagos to address the standardization of tourism practices across West Africa. Held at the Continental Hotel from November 25 to 27, 2024, the event brings together private sector stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle challenges facing the region’s tourism sector.
The Directorate of Private Sector, led by Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mrs. Massandje Touré-Litse, and represented by Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Acting Director of Private Sector, is spearheading the initiative. Organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Industry, the workshop aims to establish a unified framework to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of West Africa’s tourism industry.
Discussions center on several key issues:
- Standardizing Tourism Services: Addressing disparities in service delivery and infrastructure.
- Intra-Regional Mobility: Examining ways to ease travel within the region.
- Hospitality Development: Exploring how uniform practices can improve guest experiences.
- Visa Accessibility: Streamlining visa processes to encourage tourism and cross-border investments.
The private sector is expected to propose a comprehensive framework for standardizing tourism practices, which will be subject to further validation by ECOWAS.
