Page 368 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Moreover, the session discussed the importance of developing vocational training and upskilling

programs to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality services, as well as enhancing the
enabling infrastructure such as transportation, energy and digital services. The aim is to ensure the
integration of the tourism experience from arrival to accommodation.

The panel featured Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, MEA APAC, PM&E, Accor Hotels;
Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Adrian Messerli, President of Hotel Operations,

EMEA at Four Seasons; and Neal Jones, Chief Operating Officer – Europe and Africa, EMEA OPR,
Global Leader – Design Hotels, Marriott International.

The sessions concluded with a ministerial panel titled “Scaling Stories: How African Nations Are

Redefining Tourism for Growth.” Tourism ministers from various African countries discussed future
plans and strategies to diversify visitor experiences and open new destinations for investment.

The session featured Amadou BA, Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism of Senegal; John L.
Ololtuaa, CBS Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, Republic of Kenya; Dr. José Luís

Sá Nogueira, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Republic of Cabo Verde; and Siandou Fofana,
Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The ministers underscored that Africa is reshaping the global tourism landscape through flexible

policies, investment incentives and regional cooperation programmes that strengthen its
competitiveness as a global destination for sustainable tourism.

The panelists concluded by emphasising the importance of reintroducing Africa as a tourism brand

through digital promotional campaigns across the continent, and improving data and analytical
insights to measure tourist flows, satisfaction indicators and the sector’s socio-economic impact,

enabling more effective policy-making for driving sustainable tourism growth.

MA / HH

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bmfkp5m-uae%E2%80%93africa-tourism-investment-summit-
highlights