While the Covid-19 crisis costs African tourism approximately 55 billion dollars and the loss of 2 million employments, the emergency is now to save a sector that provides 24,3 million jobs in Africa and represents almost 10% of the continent's GNP.
That is why the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Google have partnered on an online skills accelerator program designed for UNTWO member states' tourism ministers, top travel associations, and tourism boards. The aim? To further develop innovation and digital transformation skills.
"Our information, travel data insights and tools can help tourism authorities to better plan tourism"
Named "UNWTO & Google Tourism Acceleration Program", this training is focused on data collected in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. "We are here to help the tourism sector to get out of this unprecedented crisis and become stronger," Doron AVNI, Director of government affairs and public policy, concerning emerging markets at Google, said. "Our information, travel data insights and tools can help tourism authorities to identify and understand simultaneously barriers and factors that can encourage visits in tourist destinations, and finally better plan tourism."
Encourage job creation
"If they are supported by public policies, training, and appropriate management, innovation and technology can encourage job creation and improve the quality of business opportunities for tourism in Africa. While upgrading the well-being and prosperity of the whole region," Natalia BAYONA, Director of innovation, education, and investments at the UNWTO, explained.
