(Posted 23rd May 2025)
In a historic move to strengthen tourism cooperation between Africa and Europe, the inaugural Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum took place at The Hive Hotel in Rome, ltaly on May 16, 2025. The forum, co-organised by Globetrotters SA Ltd. (Europe) headed by Michelina Sanquest and Kalo Africa Media (Africa) headed by Kazeem Balogun, brought together a diverse mix of tourism experts, policymakers, politicians, expatriates, diplomats and stakeholders from both continents under the theme: “Bridging Africa and Europe Through Tourism Exchanges.”
In their joint welcome address, the organisers expressed deep appreciation to all delegates for their active participation, emphasizing the forum’s core objective — to leverage tourism as a catalyst for cross-continental synergy, sustainable development, and cultural exchange which they hope would blossom into another tourism catalyst between Africa and Europe.
The forum featured two powerful keynote speeches. The first was delivered by Distinguished Senator Tony Iwobi, a member of the Italian Legislature (XVIII), and former Vice President of the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, who spoke passionately about the role of African Disporans leveraging on tourism for mutual development. The second keynote was delivered by Mr. Dine Bouraima, CEO of Benin Royal Hotel and Vice President of the African Tourism Board, who highlighted Africa’s vast tourism potential and the need for structured partnerships with Europe.
The Special Guest Speakers’ lineup was equally impressive. Mr. Charles Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, delivered his remarks via a recorded video, while Mr. Carlo De Romanis, Head of the Tourism Department at Forza Italia, shared his insights in person. Others were Mr. Nchimunya Chisuta, Counsellor Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Italy as well as a representative of the Embassy of Lesotho.
One of the forum’s standout moments came from Eloisa Piermaria, CEO and Founder of Easy Diplomacy, whose dynamic presentation on Africa resonated with many.
After a rooftop lunch break that offered B2B networking and scenic photo opportunities, the forum resumed with a robust panel session moderated by Emanuela Scaponi, CEO of African People News on the topic: “Bridging Africa and Europe Through Tourism Exchanges: Challenges and Opportunities,” the session featured seasoned panelists including Tolu Adeshola, CEO of Royalties Leisure and Tours; Paolo Cini, Tourism Consultant and prominent Florence-based tour guide; Andrea Bellezza, Director of DMO Associazione Tivoli e la dell’Aniene and Simona Ottaviani, Director of DMO Castelli Romani.
The evening concluded with an Awards of Recognition Ceremony, tagged ‘Afri-Euro Tourism Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the growth of tourism across the two continents. Awardees included:
1.Senator Tony Iwobi – Best Tourism Friendly Personality
2.Castelli Romani (Italy) – Best Tourism Destination (Europe)
3.Kigali (Rwanda) – Best Tourism Destination (Africa)
4.Emanuela Scaponi – Best Tourism Friendly Journalist
5.Ethiopian Airlines – Best African Airline
6.ITA Airways – Best European Airline
7.Easy Diplomacy – Best Tourism Company (Europe)
8.Royalties Leisure and Tours – Best Tourism Company (Africa)
9.Emanuela Irace – Best Tourism Friendly Participant
The organisers closed the event with a heartfelt invitation to all stakeholders to participate in the 2nd Africa-Europe Tourism Exchange Forum scheduled for March, 2026 in Europe. With growing momentum, this forum promises to become a cornerstone in fostering mutually beneficial tourism ties between Africa and Europe.
