In a landmark event held at the Adwa Memory Halls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) unveiled its comprehensive 10-Year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan. The launch ceremony, which took place on 18 septembre 2024, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the region's tourism sector and international organizations, signaling a new era for sustainable tourism development in East Africa.

The event, marked by high-level attendance and collaborative spirit, saw representation from all eight IGAD member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. This broad participation underscores the regional commitment to the plan's objectives and the recognition of tourism's potential as a driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, while, was represented at the event, highlighting the organization's dedication to this long-term initiative. The presence of tourism ministers from all member states further emphasized the collaborative nature of the plan and its importance to the region's future.

Her Excellency Ambassador Nasise Challi, Ethiopia's Minister of Tourism, delivered a compelling keynote address that set the tone for the event. “This 10-year master plan marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to harness the power of tourism for sustainable development across the IGAD region” Minister Challi stated. Her words reflected the broader sentiment of balancing economic growth with the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources.

The involvement of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at the launch event signaled strong international support for IGAD's sustainable tourism efforts. This backing from a key UN body underscores the global relevance and potential impact of the master plan.

Notably, the Ethiopian Tour Operators Association (ETOA) played an active role in the proceedings, representing the crucial involvement of the private sector. Their participation highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in realizing the ambitious goals set forth in the master plan.

The 10-Year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan is built on six key pillars:

Promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices across all member states

Preservation and showcasing of diverse cultural heritage sites

Enhancement of regional cooperation and cross-border tourism initiatives

Creation of sustainable job opportunities in the tourism sector

Improvement of infrastructure to support responsible tourism growth

Development of standardized sustainability practices for the region's tourism industry

These objectives aim to create a holistic approach to tourism development that balances economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation. By focusing on sustainability, the plan seeks to position the IGAD region as a model for responsible tourism growth.

The master plan's long-term perspective is particularly noteworthy. By setting a 10-year timeline, IGAD acknowledges the complexity of the challenges ahead and the need for sustained effort to achieve meaningful change. This approach allows for the gradual implementation of initiatives, the monitoring of progress, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

As the event concluded, participants emphasized the critical need for ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders. Government bodies, private sector entities like ETOA, and local communities must work in concert to realize the full potential of the IGAD 10-Year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.

While the launch of the master plan represents a significant milestone, the true test lies in its implementation. The coming years will reveal the plan's impact on the region's tourism landscape, economic development, and environmental conservation efforts. If successful, this initiative could indeed serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to develop their tourism sectors responsibly over an extended period.

As the IGAD region embarks on this ambitious journey, the eyes of the global tourism community will be watching closely, eager to learn from its successes and challenges in pursuit of a more sustainable future for the industry.