First-Ever Korea-Africa Tourism Forum Hosted in Seoul

The very first Korea-Africa Tourism Forum has been kickstarted in Seoul, South Korea. Being held on June 4-5 in Ilsan and Seoul, the event invites the leaders of various African nations to “elevate their existing cooperation to a higher level”. The theme of the summit is ‘The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity’. The summit aims to facilitate conversations on important issues like responding to climate change, ensuring food security, supply chain stability, health security, and calls for collective solidarity.

Summit Speaks

Speaking of the event, Tae-Yul Cho, chairperson of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission & minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, said, “At a time when the influence of the 'Global South' has never been greater, partnering with Africa, whose strategic importance is on the rise, is not a matter of choice but of necessity. In particular, Africa is a key partner for Korea in realising its foreign policy aspiration of becoming a 'Global Pivotal State.' In this respect, there is considerable international attention being directed toward the Summit. More so than any other continent, Africa has the youngest population and the greatest untapped potential. It has been maintaining strong economic growth rates and possesses abundant reserves of critical minerals essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area further underscores its emergence as a vast single market with a population of 1.4 billion and a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion US dollars. During the Summit, Korea will seek pathways towards shared growth with Africa, a driving force of global economic growth.”

Appreciating the event, UN Tourism tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Today the 1st Korea-Africa Tourism Forum in Seoul paved the way for new tourism partnerships! Hosted by Korea's MCST and us, it focused on collaboration around sustainable tourism. Highlights include panel sessions, case studies and a photo exhibition.”