Story by Memory Chamisa in Gaborone
The tourism industry is on a growth path across the African continent with a positive outlook on investment having been recorded.
This came out at the on-going 7th Africa Tourism Forum in Gaborone, where Inclusivity, sustainability and investment continue to steer the dialogue.
Organised by African Tourism Partners with the support of Botswana Tourism, this Thursday’s session saw stakeholders sharing ideas on tapping into tourism’s low hanging fruits that are contributing to economic growth in most countries.
A tourism player challenged African governments to prioritise tourism promotion for economic growth.
“Africa it is one of the continents that’s endowed with natural wonders, wildlife and even beautiful infrastructure, but still governments don’t realise how tourism can be an economic driver.”
Another said, “Morocco is a good example that has realised economic growth through tourism, yet other African countries have even more to offer. Branding and investment is a must and imagine if African countries go all out in this – how their GDPs will leapfrog. So tourism needs aggressive marketing strategies and sustainability on the environment too.”
“Africa has unique products that are natural and these past years these have been building economies be it from the minerals, heritage sites, wildlife and if we continue on that trajectory, definitely the global tourism landscape will change,” added another tourism stakeholder.
United Nations Tourism Secretary General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili and UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Ms Elcia Grandcourt welcomed the positive outlook of international tourist arrivals in Africa.
“International arrivals to Africa are up by 5 percent on pre-pandemic levels. And the numbers are expected to keep growing. Culture and creative industries are a powerful force to be harnessed for sustainable growth. They support livelihoods, social cohesion and inclusive development. And they promote Africa as a competitive and attractive destination to the world,” Mr Pololikashvili said.
Said Ms Grandcourt, “The growing number of international tourists traveling to Africa is proof of the continent’s expanding visibility and attractiveness within the global tourism market place, countries like Tanzania, Morocco and Algeria have shown impressive tourism growth in 2024.”
As Africa continues to shape its own Tourism Future, the focus remains on enhancing economic growth across the continent.
