Measuring What Matters: Jobs with Quality
Job creation alone is not enough. The quality of jobs matters.
Sustainable tourism employment should be:
· Decent and fairly paid
· Safe and secure
· Respectful of labour rights
· Environmentally responsible
· Culturally respectful M e a s u r i n g j o b q u a l i t y r e q u i r e s n e w indicators— beyond headcounts— to capture wages, stability, skills progression, and wellbeing. What gets measured gets improved.
Africa ' s Opportunity: Designing for Inclusion from the Start
Africa ' s tourism sector is still evolving. This presents a rare opportunity: to design tourism systems that prioritise people f rom the beginning. By aligning tourism development with:
· Youth employment strategies
· Gender equality goals
· Education and training systems
· Digital inclusion
· Community empowerment African destinations can position tourism as a cornerstone of inclusive development— not just a revenue generator.
Tourism That Works for People
Tourism ' s future will not be judged solely by how many people travel, but by who benefits. Sustainable tourism offers a pathway to jobs that are not only plentiful, but purposeful; opportunities that are not only accessible, but empowering.
In a world searching for inclusive economic models, tourism stands out— not because it is perfect, but because it is possible. The challenge before us is not to grow tourism at any cost— but to grow it with intention, ensuring that every journey creates opportunity, dignity, and hope.
As the global tourism community gathers at the 2026 International Sustainable Green Tourism Convention & Exhibition, the message is clear: Tourism works best when it works for people.