Participants from some 15 African countries will meet in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to discuss ways of promoting sustainable tourism practices that reduce poverty.

The workshop slated for 25 to 27 January 2010 is being organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in conjunction with the International Trade Centre, Rwanda Development Board and SNV, the Dutch Development Agency. It will take place at Laico Hotel.

Key issues that will be addressed will include the impact of the financial crisis and climate change on the tourism sector, the use and strengthening of public private partnerships in tourism development, and how the poor can effectively participate in the supply chains, like producing crafts, fruits and labour to earn incomes and improve their livelihoods.

"We are hoping that by sharing information and experiences, and distilling good practice from across the continent, the capacity of institutions involved in tourism development in the various countries will be enhanced,” said Jose Maurel, director of the Special Advisory Services Division, who is leading the Secretariat team to the workshop.

Rwanda was accepted as 54th member of the Commonwealth on 28 November during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.

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