Africa’s tourism ministers address shared challenges

Angola's government has set ambitious goals through its Long-Term Strategy to increase tourism’s contribution to 1.9 per cent of GDP by 2050, amidst a sharp decline in revenues from $628 million in 2016 to only $24 million in 2022. To address these challenges, Minister Márcio De Jesus Lopes Daniel outlined key strategies during an interview with CNBC Africa's Keamo Mosepele at the Africa Travel Indaba. The Minister highlighted the importance of tackling barriers to tourism growth in Africa, focusing on visa policies and air connectivity. He emphasized the need for visa-free travel within the continent and the significance of air connectivity for the survival of the tourism industry. One of the major obstacles discussed by Minister Daniel is the current visa requirements within African countries. Unlike young individuals in Europe and Latin America who can travel without visa applications, Africans face restrictions when traveling within the continent. Minister Daniel stressed the importance of establishing a visa-free policy, which has already been initiated on a continental level through African Union discussions. Additionally, he emphasized the critical role of air connectivity in driving tourism development. The Minister highlighted the upcoming air connectivity summit in Angola as a crucial platform for addressing these challenges, with a focus on open skies policies and free visa initiatives. Moreover, Angola recently implemented a visa exemption decree for over 100 countries worldwide, aiming to promote the country as an open and secure destination. Minister Daniel noted the positive impact of combining security measures with a welcoming visa policy, referencing successful examples from other African nations such as Benin, Ghana, and Rwanda. To further enhance regional tourism, Angola plans to facilitate business-to-business meetings between tour operators from Zambia and Angola, fostering collaboration and joint branding of destinations within the region. Attending the Africa Travel Indaba, Minister Daniel expressed optimism about leveraging the event to advance Angola's tourism sector. By engaging with tour operators from neighboring countries and learning from established tourism destinations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, Angola aims to accelerate its tourism development efforts. The Minister highlighted the significance of collaborative initiatives and cross-promotion among African nations to attract more tourists and showcase the diverse offerings of the continent. In conclusion, Minister Márcio De Jesus Lopes Daniel's insights shed light on Angola's proactive approach to revitalizing its tourism sector and contributing to the growth of the African tourism industry as a whole. By prioritizing visa reforms, enhancing air connectivity, and fostering regional partnerships, Angola is poised to unlock its tourism potential and position itself as a competitive player in the global travel market.