SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – In a significant move towards fostering sustainable tourism and economic development in Africa, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the TUI Care Foundation have announced a strengthened partnership focused on empowering artists and artisans in rural communities.
The collaboration, formalized with an agreement signed at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, marks a new chapter in their joint efforts to harness the transformative potential of tourism for the benefit of local populations. The partnership specifically targets the empowerment of women and youth artisans, who often play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and driving economic growth in rural areas.
"Colourful Cultures" Initiative to Spark Creative Entrepreneurship
The centerpiece of this partnership is the launch of the "Colourful Cultures" Call for Proposals, an initiative designed to provide non-profit organizations in ten African countries with the resources and support to develop innovative projects that directly benefit artisanal communities. The participating countries include Gambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.
Through this initiative, UNWTO and TUI Care Foundation aim to achieve the following objectives:
- Empowerment through Income Generation: Enhance the capacity of artists and artisans to engage in the tourism economy, boosting their income potential and financial independence.
- Cultural Preservation: Increase the visibility and recognition of local artists and artisans, safeguarding their unique cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
- Sustainable Development: Expand access to essential support services for artisans in rural tourism destinations, fostering long-term economic growth and social well-being.
Building on a Shared Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The "Colourful Cultures" initiative builds upon a strong foundation of collaboration between UNWTO and TUI Care Foundation. In 2023, the two organizations launched the Tourism for Development Fund, a €10 million program aimed at supporting sustainable tourism projects in Least Developed Countries.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, "Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities."
Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the TUI Care Foundation, emphasized the Foundation's commitment to empowering local communities through tourism, saying, "By supporting artists and artisans, we are preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic growth and social well-being in some of the world's most vulnerable tourism destinations."
Call for Proposals to Open in September
The "Colourful Cultures" Call for Proposals is anticipated to open for applications in September 2024. Non-profit organizations working in the targeted African countries are encouraged to participate and submit innovative project proposals that align with the initiative's goals.
A Future of Sustainable Growth and Cultural Preservation
This partnership represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model, where the economic benefits of tourism are shared more equitably with local communities. By investing in the skills and livelihoods of rural artists and artisans, UNWTO and TUI Care Foundation are contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage, the empowerment of local communities, and the long-term sustainability of tourism in Africa.
For further information, please contact:
- UNWTO: mpaul@unwto.org