Ghana has secured the right to host the 70th Session of the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2027, marking another significant milestone in the country’s growing prominence within Africa’s tourism industry.
The successful bid was announced during the 69th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa held in Seychelles, where Ghana emerged as the selected host nation for the prestigious continental gathering.
The event is expected to bring together tourism ministers, policymakers, development partners, investors, private sector leaders, academics and tourism stakeholders from across the African continent to discuss strategies for advancing sustainable tourism development, regional cooperation and economic growth.
Hosting the commission’s landmark 70th session will coincide with Ghana’s celebration of its 70th Independence Anniversary, creating a unique opportunity for the country to showcase its cultural heritage, tourism potential and creative economy to an international audience.
Government officials believe the event will further strengthen Ghana’s position as one of Africa’s leading destinations for heritage, cultural and diaspora tourism while creating new opportunities for investment, partnerships and economic development.
Significant recognition for Ghana’s tourism sector
The selection of Ghana as host of the 2027 session represents international recognition of the country’s continued efforts to promote tourism as a major pillar of national development.
In recent years, Ghana has implemented several initiatives aimed at positioning itself as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travel.
These efforts have included investments in tourism infrastructure, cultural preservation, destination marketing, hospitality development and international partnerships designed to attract visitors from across the world.
The successful bid reflects growing confidence among African tourism stakeholders in Ghana’s capacity to organise major international conferences and events while providing delegates with world-class hospitality and meeting facilities.
Hosting the continental gathering is also expected to reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a stable destination capable of facilitating high-level international engagements.
Conference to coincide with historic national milestone
One of the most notable aspects of Ghana’s successful bid is that the conference will be held during the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations in 2027.
The convergence of the two significant events is expected to provide an exceptional platform for promoting Ghana’s history, national identity and achievements since independence.
Delegates attending the conference will have the opportunity to experience commemorative activities while exploring the country’s historical landmarks, cultural attractions and tourism destinations.
Government officials anticipate that the anniversary celebrations will complement the objectives of the tourism conference by presenting Ghana’s unique story of resilience, cultural diversity and democratic development.
The dual events are also expected to generate increased international media attention, providing valuable exposure for Ghana’s tourism sector.
Opportunity to showcase Ghana’s cultural heritage
Hosting the UN Tourism Commission for Africa presents Ghana with an important opportunity to highlight the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
From traditional festivals and historical monuments to museums, performing arts and indigenous crafts, Ghana possesses a wide range of cultural assets that continue to attract visitors from across the globe.
Conference participants are expected to experience elements of Ghanaian culture through exhibitions, cultural performances, culinary experiences and visits to major tourist attractions.
The country’s historic castles and forts, traditional kingdoms, vibrant festivals, music, dance and artistic traditions are likely to feature prominently during the event.
Officials believe these experiences will strengthen Ghana’s image as a destination where history, culture and hospitality combine to offer memorable visitor experiences.
Spotlight on the creative arts industry
Beyond tourism, the event will also provide an international platform for Ghana’s expanding creative arts industry.
The creative economy—including music, film, fashion, visual arts, literature and cultural performances—has increasingly become an important contributor to Ghana’s economic development and international reputation.
Hosting tourism leaders from across Africa will provide local creatives with opportunities to showcase their talent while promoting collaboration across the continent.
Government officials expect the conference to highlight the close relationship between tourism and the creative industries, demonstrating how culture can drive economic growth, employment and innovation.
The event is therefore expected to benefit artists, performers, designers, filmmakers and cultural entrepreneurs through increased visibility and networking opportunities.
Hospitality sector expected to benefit
The conference is also anticipated to deliver significant benefits for Ghana’s hospitality industry.
Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies, event organisers and other tourism-related businesses are expected to experience increased demand during the event.
International conferences of this magnitude typically generate substantial economic activity through accommodation bookings, conference services, local transportation, catering and recreational tourism.
Small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the tourism value chain are also expected to benefit from increased visitor spending.
Industry experts believe the event could stimulate further investment in hospitality infrastructure while strengthening service standards across the sector.
Minister reaffirms Ghana’s commitment
Leading Ghana’s successful bid was the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
During the presentation, the minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic transformation and regional cooperation.
She emphasized that tourism extends beyond leisure travel and serves as an important driver of employment creation, cultural preservation and international understanding.
According to the minister, Ghana remains committed to working with African partners to strengthen collaboration across the continent’s tourism industry while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in fostering unity among African nations and strengthening connections with the African diaspora.
Tourism as a driver of sustainable development
The successful bid reflects Ghana’s broader strategy of using tourism to advance national development objectives.
Tourism contributes significantly to economic activity through employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, investment attraction and support for local businesses.
Government policy increasingly recognises tourism as a sector capable of promoting sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural and environmental resources.
Officials have consistently advocated responsible tourism practices that protect heritage sites, conserve biodiversity and empower local communities.
Hosting the UN Tourism Commission for Africa is expected to reinforce these objectives by encouraging dialogue on sustainable tourism policies across the continent.
Strengthening regional integration
The Commission for Africa serves as one of the principal regional bodies of the United Nations Tourism organisation, bringing together African member states to discuss shared priorities and emerging opportunities within the tourism sector.
Its meetings provide an important platform for governments to exchange experiences, coordinate policies and strengthen regional cooperation.
By hosting the 70th session, Ghana will facilitate discussions on issues including tourism investment, destination marketing, digital transformation, skills development, infrastructure and resilience.
The conference is also expected to encourage stronger partnerships among African countries as they seek to position the continent as an increasingly competitive global tourism destination.
Regional collaboration remains particularly important in promoting multi-country tourism circuits and facilitating easier travel across Africa.
Ghana’s growing international profile
Winning the hosting rights further strengthens Ghana’s growing international profile as a destination for major conferences and global events.
Over recent years, the country has hosted numerous international summits, investment forums, cultural festivals and diplomatic meetings that have enhanced its reputation for political stability and effective event management.
Such events contribute not only to tourism revenues but also to broader national branding efforts by projecting Ghana as an attractive destination for business, investment and cultural exchange.
Hosting the UN Tourism Commission for Africa is expected to build on these achievements while creating additional opportunities for international engagement.
Promoting heritage and diaspora tourism
The conference also aligns with Ghana’s continued emphasis on heritage and diaspora tourism.
Initiatives aimed at strengthening connections with people of African descent around the world have significantly increased Ghana’s visibility as a destination for cultural and historical exploration.
Historic slave forts and castles, museums, memorial sites and cultural festivals continue to attract visitors seeking to reconnect with Africa’s history and heritage.
Government officials believe hosting Africa’s tourism leadership will further reinforce Ghana’s position as a gateway for diaspora engagement while encouraging collaborative tourism initiatives across the continent.
Investment opportunities
Beyond tourism promotion, the conference is expected to create valuable opportunities for investment.
International delegates will include tourism investors, development institutions, hotel operators, airlines and business leaders interested in expanding tourism infrastructure and services across Africa.
The event will allow Ghana to showcase investment opportunities in accommodation, eco-tourism, transport, cultural industries and destination development.
Officials anticipate that business networking sessions and investment forums held alongside the conference could generate new partnerships capable of supporting long-term sector growth.
Showcasing diverse tourism destinations
Hosting the continental gathering will also provide Ghana with an opportunity to introduce delegates to the country’s wide range of tourism attractions.
From coastal beaches and historical monuments to wildlife reserves, waterfalls, mountains and cultural festivals, Ghana offers diverse experiences that appeal to domestic and international visitors alike.
Conference organisers are expected to incorporate familiarisation tours into the programme, allowing participants to experience some of the country’s leading tourism destinations firsthand.
Such exposure often encourages delegates to return as leisure visitors while promoting Ghana through professional networks and international tourism markets.
Enhancing Africa’s tourism competitiveness
The 70th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa will take place at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness within the global tourism industry.
The conference is expected to examine strategies for increasing visitor arrivals, improving connectivity, encouraging investment and enhancing resilience against global challenges affecting travel.
Digital innovation, climate resilience, sustainable destination management and skills development are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
As host nation, Ghana will have the opportunity to contribute actively to shaping regional tourism priorities while demonstrating its own experiences and best practices.
Looking ahead to 2027
Preparations for the conference are expected to begin well ahead of the scheduled event to ensure Ghana successfully delivers a world-class gathering.
Government agencies, tourism institutions, the private sector and development partners are likely to collaborate closely on planning, logistics, infrastructure and promotional activities.
The successful organisation of the event could further enhance Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading destinations for international conferences and tourism.
For the country’s tourism, culture and creative arts sectors, the conference represents more than a diplomatic achievement. It provides a strategic platform to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment, promote sustainable tourism and celebrate Ghana’s rich heritage before a continental audience.
As Ghana prepares to host the 70th Session of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa in 2027, expectations remain high that the event will leave a lasting legacy for the country’s tourism industry while contributing to broader efforts to position Africa as a vibrant, competitive and sustainable global tourism destination.
