The International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO) and the State of African Diaspora (SOAD) have reached an agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding that lays a firm foundation for future collaboration between the two organisations. This agreement highlights their shared commitment to seeing through collaborative actions that promote social and sustainable tourism in Africa.
According to the projections of the World Bank, tourism is bound to turn into the leading sector of the 21st century, and Africa emerges as a region with immense potential in this field although its sustainable development is faced with significant challenges. Aware of this reality, SOAD proposed to extend its tourism activity, prioritizing the creation of socially responsible and sustainable infrastructures. The presentation of ISTO to SOAD was received with great enthusiasm by the corresponding Cabinet who saw in this collaboration an invaluable opportunity to further its objectives.
The President of ISTO, Isabel Novoa, emphasised the importance of the role of Africa in the future of global tourism. She expressed her satisfaction at being able to work closely with SOAD in elaborating a shared vision in which tourism serves as a motor for positive change in all of Africa.
On her part, the SOAD Minister of Tourism, Sharon Parris-Chambers, highlighted that this collaboration will strengthen the efforts of both organisations in promoting commercial equity and open skies agreements. Moreover, she also outlined that this alliance will significantly contribute to the development of inclusive, fair and responsible tourism in the 21st century.
