On April 25, 2026, UN Tourism officially inaugurated its first regional office for Africa in Rabat, Morocco, dedicated to fostering innovation and digital transformation in the tourism sector. The office, located at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, aims to support African countries in developing sustainable tourism through technology and entrepreneurship.
The initiative was announced during the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Marrakech from April 22-24, 2026. Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, stated that the office will serve as a hub for training, research, and pilot projects, leveraging Morocco's expertise in tourism innovation.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that the office will help African nations harness digital tools to boost competitiveness and resilience. The office is expected to launch programs focusing on startups, data analytics, and sustainable practices, with an initial budget of $2 million funded by Morocco.
