ECOWAS Commission convenes technical meeting to advance regional tourism accommodation standards

BENIN – The ECOWAS Commission recently convened a four-day technical meeting beginning on July 8, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin, marking a pivotal moment for tourism policy across West Africa.

This gathering brings together experts from ECOWAS Member States to examine and refine six draft classification standards for tourist accommodation establishments, with the goal of harmonizing quality and boosting the region’s appeal as a travel destination.

The draft standards under review cover hotels, motels, inns, ecolodges, aparthotels, and holiday villages.

These standards are the culmination of several workshops held as part of the ECOWAS tourism policy framework, known as ECOTOUR.

The event is a collaborative initiative, jointly organized by the private sector and industry directorates, reflecting a shared commitment to building a robust and competitive tourism sector through public-private partnership.

In her opening address, delivered on her behalf by Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of the Private Sector, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reaffirmed the region’s ambition to make tourism a cornerstone of economic development and regional integration.

She emphasized that ECOWAS is striving to build a vibrant tourism industry by adopting international best practices, carefully tailored to the unique context of West Africa.

This approach is intended to position the region as a preferred global destination, capable of attracting diverse travelers and investment.

Throughout the meeting, technical experts are engaging in detailed discussions to ensure that the proposed classification standards are both practical and reflective of the realities faced by accommodation providers in West Africa.

The goal is to establish clear benchmarks that will enhance service quality, increase visitor confidence, and encourage further investment in tourism infrastructure across the region.

The process also provides an opportunity for Member States to share experiences, address common challenges, and build consensus on the way forward.

As the meeting progresses, participants are working toward finalizing the standards, which will form the foundation for improved regulation and promotion of the region’s diverse accommodation offerings.

The outcomes are expected to support ECOWAS’s broader vision of a flourishing, integrated tourism industry that drives economic growth and strengthens bonds among Member States, ultimately contributing to West Africa’s emergence as a world-class tourist destination.

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