What you need to know:
- UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have strengthened their partnership with the signing of an agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid.
- This collaborative effort between UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation underscores their commitment to advancing sustainable tourism development in Africa, ensuring that rural communities can benefit from and contribute to the tourism sector’s growth and resilience.
UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have strengthened their partnership with the signing of an agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid. This collaboration focuses on empowering artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations across Africa. TUI Care Foundation is the first partner to support the pilot phase of the Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme by UN Tourism.
Empowering Rural Artists and Artisans
Under this partnership, UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation will initiate the ‘Colourful Cultures’ Call for Proposals. This initiative aims to empower artists and artisans in rural areas of Gambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.
Tourism’s Potential for Transformation
Tourism has a significant role in transforming lives and communities, especially in rural regions. By supporting artists and artisans, the partnership aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to create sustainable income opportunities.
The call for proposals invites non-profit organizations in these countries to propose innovative projects benefiting artisanal communities. These projects are designed to enhance income opportunities, safeguard intangible cultural heritage, and promote rural tourism sustainability.
UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development through tourism. In 2023, they jointly launched the Tourism for Development Fund with EUR 10 million, aimed at supporting sustainable development in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Empowering Rural Communities Through Tourism
During the agreement signing ceremony, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasized the transformative power of tourism in rural areas. He highlighted the partnership’s goal of fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism for rural development.
Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of TUI Care Foundation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of economic growth and social well-being in vulnerable tourism destinations. He described the collaboration with UN Tourism as a pivotal aspect of the Foundation’s strategy, inspired by the global TUI Colourful Cultures programme.
Driving Sustainable Tourism Development in Africa’s Rural Communities
Tourism serves as a crucial economic lifeline for many rural communities, offering opportunities for job creation, promoting cohesion within regions, and conserving natural and cultural resources. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by rural areas, such as depopulation, aging populations, and limited infrastructure and services.
The ‘Colourful Cultures’ Call for Proposals seeks to achieve several objectives:
– Build the capacity of artists and artisans to participate in the tourism economy and increase their income.
– Enhance the visibility of artists and artisans in rural tourism destinations.
– Improve support services available to artists and artisans engaged in rural tourism.
This collaborative effort between UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation underscores their commitment to advancing sustainable tourism development in Africa, ensuring that rural communities can benefit from and contribute to the tourism sector’s growth and resilience.
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