The new publication examines the interconnected nature of the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement in advancing Africa’s tourism sector.
The author used the book to honour and pay tribute to three distinguished African tourism Icons whose leadership has significantly contributed to positioning the continent as a competitive global tourism destination. The three African tourism Icons include – Najib Balala, a Kenyan citizen and former minister of Tourism, who was very instrumental in positioning Kenya as a global tourism destination, Alain St. Ange from Seychelles, he was the former Minister and President of The African Tourism council, a champion of eco-tourism and Pan-African cooperation, and Honourable Hamat Bah, Gambian, former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture now Minister of Regional Land Government, and Religious Affairs, a passionate advocate for community based tourism and regional integration.
The author described the trio as visionary leaders whose commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development has helped shape Africa’s tourism landscape and inspired future generations of tourism professionals across the continent.
The official launch event in Dakar will feature book signings, panel discussions, and cultural performances, bringing together policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and industry leaders to reflect on the future of tourism development in Africa.
A second event will be held later in April 2026 in Banjul, where a special tribute will be paid to Honourable Hamat Bah. The event is expected to highlight the deep cultural and economic ties between Senegal and The Gambia, as well as their shared vision for strengthening regional cooperation through tourism.
With over three decades of experience in tourism development and policy innovation, Mouhamed FaouzouDémé has served as Technical Adviser to several Ministers of Tourism in Senegal and played a key role in shaping national tourism strategies. He is widely recognised as a leading advocate for sustainable tourism and Pan-African cooperation within the industry.
The Complexity and Complementarity of Tourism is expected to serve as both a scholarly contribution and a call to action for governments, private sector actors, and communities to embrace tourism as a driver of unity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship across Africa.
