Travel Sector’s Key Requests Remain Unmet

A High-Level Policy Dialogue recently convened in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) with the central objective of anchoring tourism at the heart of the nation’s economic diversification efforts. The event, which took place from October 26 to 28, 2021, was co-convened by the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) – Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa (SRO-CA), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and UNESCO.

The dialogue assembled a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials from various ministries such as Planning, Finance, Tourism, Culture, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Infrastructure, alongside representatives from the private sector, development partners, and civil society. The primary aim was to strategize on how to leverage STP’s unique natural, historical, and cultural heritage to foster a robust and sustainable tourism sector. This initiative seeks to mitigate the country’s heavy reliance on oil and public aid, promoting job creation and inclusive growth.

Participants underscored the importance of an integrated, cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder, and gender-sensitive approach to developing tourism value chains. Discussions focused on establishing solid policies and strategies to cultivate an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism industry. Key recommendations emerged from the dialogue, advocating for the review of existing policy frameworks, ensuring an enabling business environment, enhancing human resource capacity, promoting investment, digitalizing the sector, and developing appropriate infrastructure. The discussions also highlighted the critical roles of regional cooperation, public-private partnerships, innovation, technology, and branding in advancing the tourism sector.

UNECA reaffirmed its dedication to supporting São Tomé and Príncipe in the implementation of a national roadmap and strategy, which will be derived from the dialogue’s outcomes. This support aims to transform the country into a competitive and attractive tourism destination.

Key Points
* Dialogue Dates: October 26 to 28, 2021

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