Page 380 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

10/29/25, 2:00 PM UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit highlights tourism’s role as key driver of economic transformation and calls to reposition A…

The session also underscored the importance of integrating technology and digital solutions to develop
advanced destination ecosystems that meet global travellers’ expectations while enhancing sustainability
through eco-friendly standards and hospitality projects that engage local communities and drive job
creation and economic growth.

The panelists were Uzoamaka Oshogwe, CEO and Managing Director of Transcorp Hotels; Hamza
Farooqui, CEO of Millat Global Holdings in South Africa; Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations in Abu

Dhabi; and Dr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer, ICCA Chair, Events Industry Council.

Role of the private sector in tourism growth and sustainability

The third session, titled “Private Sector Leading the Way: Investors and Operators at the Forefront”
focused on the leading role of investors in shaping the future of tourism in Africa. Speakers reviewed

leading innovation experiences and the expansion of tourism investment in hospitality and tourism
infrastructure.

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 Mr. Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, MEA APAC, PM&E, Accor Hotels; Mr.

Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Mr. Adrian Messerli, President of Hotel Operations,
EMEA at Four Seasons; and Mr. Neal Jones, Chief Operating Officer – Europe and Africa, EMEA OPR,
Global Leader – Design Hotels, Marriott International.

Tourism ministers discuss the future of the sector in Africa

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.

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