Africans Urged to Adequately Use Tourism Potential for Sustainable Development.

ADDIS ABABA: Africans are urged to adequately use the potential of tourism for sustainable economic development and prosperity. Africa Celebrates 2024 event kicked off today at the African Hall in Addis Ababa. The Africa Celebrates is an annual event designed to support the development and prosperity of the continent by connecting Africa through education, art, culture, and technology.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia's Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kasa, emphasized on the occasion that Africa possesses a tourism potential that could enhance its economic growth and prosperity. Highlighting Ethiopia's ancient historical heritages and unique cultures, she stressed the importance of such continental events to showcase these attractions to fellow Africans. The minister indicated that the African continent holds significant potential to be a globally competent and unique destination, offering sustainable socioeconomic benefits.The minister added that organizing events like Africa Celebrates would enhance Africa's visibility as a continent and Ethiopia as a host country, focusing on showcasing a variety of products and unleashing untapped potential. She noted that tourism plays a crucial role in accelerating economic growth by strengthening people-to-people ties and that Africa has the potential to be competitive globally in this sector. Platforms like Africa Celebrates are valuable for promoting Africa's unique and magnificent tourism destinations to the world, she stated.General Manager of Africa Celebrates, Lexi Mojo, mentioned that the event is organized annually to enhance trade exchange and cultural ties among Africans, aiming for the continent's prosperity. Director General of the Pan African Trade and Industry Council, Kibur Gena, highlighted the vast market and employment opportunities in the creative art industry, while also pointing out Africa's minimal budget allocation to creativity and arts, urging for more attention in this area.Burundi's ambassador to Ethiopia, Willine Yamituwe, emp hasized the need for Africans to strengthen their unity and mutual understanding to harness their culture, history, and heritage for economic development. She described Africa Celebrates as a significant event showcasing Africa's unity in diversity, where cultures, arts, stories, and heritages are shared. The Africa Celebrates 2024 event is focused on promoting African art, culture, heritage, technology, and business, with participation from ambassadors of African countries, scholars, media professionals, and tourism actors. The four-day event includes exhibitions, business and investment forums, tours, and other activities.