UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation join hands to support Rural Artists and Artisans Across Africa

The “Colourful Cultures” initiative is designed to empower local actors to generate income, protect heritage and shape their own development. It represents a landmark moment for UN Tourism as, for the first time, it provides direct financing and technical support to grassroots organizations.

UN Tourism & TUI Care Foundation Partnership
- Programme: Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants – first call under the “Colourful Cultures” initiative.
- Scope: Direct financing and technical support for grassroots NGOs across Africa.
- Applications: 141 proposals received; 5 NGOs selected.
- Focus: Empowering artisans, protecting heritage, and linking creativity to sustainable tourism.

Awarded Projects
Mozambique
Associação dos Deficientes Moçambicanos (ADEMO) – Voices and Colors of Gorongosa
Empower artisans (esp. people with disabilities), develop certified local products, expand market access
Beneficiaries: ~110 people (60% women)

Namibia
Namibia Development Foundation Trust – Traditions in Bwabwata National Park
Revitalize Khwe community arts, cultural storytelling, artisan centre
Beneficiaries: 50 Khwe artisans

Rwanda
Red Rocks Initiative – Creative Tourism in Musanze
Train women & youth cooperatives in arts, entrepreneurship, storytelling
Beneficiaries: ~100 women & youth
Rwanda
Nature Rwanda – Busaga Forest Tourism
Women & youth-led tourism, biodiversity conservation, handicrafts
Beneficiaries: 30 community members

Tanzania
KINNAPA Development Programme – Maasai Cultural Programme
Train women & youth in arts, crafts, tourism services
Beneficiaries: 50 people (60% women)

Strategic Impact
- Economic Empowerment: New income streams for rural artisans.
- Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding indigenous traditions and heritage.
- Tourism Integration: Linking crafts and storytelling into sustainable tourism circuits.
- Gender & Youth Focus: Majority of beneficiaries are women and young people.

This initiative positions tourism not just as a driver of visitor economies, but as a catalyst for rural development and cultural resilience across Africa.