The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has led a strong Ghanaian delegation to the 4th edition of the Z-Summit in Zanzibar, positioning Ghana as a key partner in advancing multi-destination tourism across Africa.
The Z-Summit 2026, which officially opened on 11th February in Zanzibar, has attracted more than 300 international buyers from over 20 countries and 120 exhibitors, reinforcing its status as the region’s premier travel and tourism marketplace.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, TOUGHA President Ms Yvonne Donkor described the Union’s participation as “intentional, strategic and forward-looking,” stressing that the Ghanaian delegation was in Zanzibar “not just to attend another tourism event, but to connect, collaborate and co-create the future of African tourism.”
“It is an honour and a privilege to stand before you at the 4th edition of the Z-Summit here in beautiful Zanzibar, a destination that perfectly symbolises Africa’s rich heritage, cultural exchange, and boundless tourism potential,” she stated.
Ms Donkor underscored the shifting dynamics of global travel, noting that contemporary travellers are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. “Travellers today are not just looking for destinations; they are seeking stories, identity, authenticity, meaningful connections, and platforms like the Z-Summit which provides the opportunity to package, position and present them to the world, together,” she stated
She also emphasized that collaboration remains central to unlocking the continent’s tourism potential. According to her, no single country, company or association can fully harness Africa’s vast tourism assets in isolation. “But together she added, West Africa and East Africa, can create multi-destination experiences that keep travellers on the continent longer and deepen their engagement with Africa”.
A significant highlight of her address was the recent launch of Air Tanzania’s direct flight to Ghana. Ms Donkor described the new route as “more than an aviation milestone; it is a bridge between West Africa and East Africa,” noting that it presents opportunities to develop Ghana,Tanzania, Zanzibar tour circuits and strengthen joint marketing initiatives across the regions.
The two-day summit provides a platform for business-to-business engagements, networking and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening intra-African tourism flows and expanding the continent’s global market share.
Ms Donkor concluded by urging participants to leverage on the summit to build sustainable, trust-based partnerships that will drive shared growth and long-term transformation within Africa’s tourism industry.