Page 57 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

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.

The session featured H.E. Amadou BA, Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism of Senegal;
H.E. John L. Ololtuaa, CBS Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, Republic of
Kenya; H.E. Dr. José Luís Sá Nogueira, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Republic of Cabo
Verde; and H.E 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.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Tel: +971 4 4562888
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com