Workshop on Role of Museums in Developing Community Based Tourism (Vision and Challenges) in Khartoum, Sudan

On 2^nd July 2019, the UNESCO Khartoum Office, in partnership with the Sudanese Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities (MoCTA), and National Commission for Education, Science and Culture (NatCom), organized a workshop on Role of Museums in Developing Community Based Tourism (Vision and Challenges) in Grand Holiday Villa Hotel, Khartoum. The workshop attracted about 35 participants, including 10 women and 4 representatives of state’s governments. It was honoured by H.E. Dr. Graham Abdelgadir, the Undersecretary in the MoCTA and acting Minister; Dr. Abdelgadir Noureddin, the Secretary General of the NatCom, Dr. Abdelrahman Ali, the General Director of the National Corporation of Antiquities and Museums, and two diplomats representing Italy and Zimbabwe.

The opening session of the workshop included speeches from

• Dr. Graham Abdelgadir, the Undersecretary in MoCTA and acting Minister, who linked tourism to achieving the SDGs;
• Dr. Abdelgadir Noureddin, NatCom, who spoke about the benefits of tourism to local communities;
• Dr. Abdelrahman Ali, NCAM, who outlines government plans for Museums;  
• Mr. Abdelgadir Salih, UNESCO, who mentioned tourism positive impact on national economy and creation of jobs and referred to the great potential for tourism in Sudan.

©UNESCO: Workshop on Role of Museums in Developing Community Based Tourism (Vision and Challenges): the stage. Khartoum, Sudan. 02/07/2019

The technical sessions of the workshop started with presentation from Dr. Abdelrahman Ali, who outlined NCAM’s planned projects and exhibitions to create visibility for Sudanese Heritage. Then, Mr. Badereldin Alamas spoke on the role of national institutions in Community Based Tourism, highlighting their deficit in Sudan, including necessary polices. Dr. Gafar Osman, NatCom, focused on importance of Community Based Tourism and its role in sustainable development. Dr. Ismail Al Fihail highlighted the necessity of bringing in the soft components of the Sudanese Heritage – enriching the tangible tourist attractions. Finally, Mr. Mahir discussed different challenges that restrict tourism development from the private sector point of view.

The workshop recommended:

1. Drafting and submitting to MoCTA project proposals that aim to develop tourism around local communities – by each state. 
2. Designing and printing maps for tourist sites in Sudan – to facilitate easy access.
3. Involving all relevant stakeholders in local tourism development, including local communities at tourist attraction areas.
4. Brainstorming with social security officials, relevant finance units at Bank of Sudan and other finance establishments for ensuring financial support for tourism projects.
5. Organizing workshops with key partners in states and starting initiatives for tourism projects.  
6. Motivating communities in tourist attraction areas to participate in tourism and appropriate capacity building. 
7. Strengthening partnership between public and private sectors for tourism development.