News
African tourism to get e-boost
12 July 2006
Tourism in Africa will be given a boost with a joint Microsoft and UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) programme.
The aim of the scheme is to provide IT systems and tools for emerging tourism economies to improve their competitiveness and services.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates told the Global Leaders Forum for Africa that the programme would help to take 40m people out of poverty.
He said: 'Microsoft wants to play a hands-on role to help countries and entire regions develop their knowledge-based economy, create jobs, spur growth and enable innovation.
'We can do this by providing easy and affordable access to technology and helping our partners build robust local software economies.'
One part of the programme will be a new web portal Windows on Africa showcasing Africa globally and linking to visitor centres, museums, and libraries throughout the continent. It will also give real-time advice and information about destinations via PDAs and mobile phones.
Francesco Frangialli, UNWTO secretary general, said: 'This agreement is a huge leap forward for tourism for the world's poorest countries - especially in Africa where it will be integrated into our programmes to alleviate poverty through sustainable tourism.
'It links Microsoft's outstanding technology and solutions with UNWTO's central role of advancing the sector as an instrument of development.'
© Adfero Ltd
The aim of the scheme is to provide IT systems and tools for emerging tourism economies to improve their competitiveness and services.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates told the Global Leaders Forum for Africa that the programme would help to take 40m people out of poverty.
He said: 'Microsoft wants to play a hands-on role to help countries and entire regions develop their knowledge-based economy, create jobs, spur growth and enable innovation.
'We can do this by providing easy and affordable access to technology and helping our partners build robust local software economies.'
One part of the programme will be a new web portal Windows on Africa showcasing Africa globally and linking to visitor centres, museums, and libraries throughout the continent. It will also give real-time advice and information about destinations via PDAs and mobile phones.
Francesco Frangialli, UNWTO secretary general, said: 'This agreement is a huge leap forward for tourism for the world's poorest countries - especially in Africa where it will be integrated into our programmes to alleviate poverty through sustainable tourism.
'It links Microsoft's outstanding technology and solutions with UNWTO's central role of advancing the sector as an instrument of development.'
© Adfero Ltd
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