ECOWAS Announces ECOTOUR Training to Strengthen West Africa’s Tourism Program Implementation.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at repositioning regional tourism program through its ECOTOUR 19-29 Training Support Program.
The training is set to take place from March 17 to 21, 2025, in Banjul, The Gambia and is designed to empower tourism professionals and policymakers across the ECOWAS region with the knowledge and tools required to effectively implement the ECOTOUR 19-29 Action Plan.
Adopted in 2019, the ECOTOUR 19-29 Action Plan is a comprehensive framework focused on the development and sustainable management of tourism in West Africa.
The goal of the ECOTOUR 19-29 Training is to harmonize tourism policies across ECOWAS member states, prioritizing community involvement, biodiversity conservation, and the socioeconomic benefits of ecotourism. By equipping stakeholders with expertise in strategic priorities, tourism standards, and regulations, ECOWAS aims to solidify West Africa as a premier ecotourism destination, driving economic growth and regional integration.
ECOWAS’s commitment to tourism development is evident in this training program, which will address critical areas such as sustainable tourism practices, the protection of cultural heritage, and the promotion of local tourism initiatives. Participants will also learn how to create control systems that ensure the long-term viability of ecotourism projects, fostering job creation, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.
The ECOTOUR 19-29 initiative also encourages the integration of national tourism policies with regional strategies, creating synergy between member states’ efforts.
By enhancing collaboration among regional institutions and tourism stakeholders, the program will foster a more cohesive tourism network that can effectively address the challenges of the industry while optimizing its potential for economic prosperity.
“The ECOTOUR 19-29 Training represents a critical step towards achieving ECOWAS’s vision of a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that serves as a catalyst for economic development,” the statement said adding that “By strengthening the capacity of tourism professionals and policymakers, we are not only enhancing the region’s tourism offerings but also ensuring that these benefits are shared across all member states.”
This training initiative is expected to have a profound impact on tourism development across West Africa, reinforcing the region’s potential as a leading tourist destination. With a focus on best practices, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, the ECOTOUR 19-29 Training is set to create lasting positive changes in the tourism sector, driving economic growth and regional cohesion for years to come.
