The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has highlighted persistent connectivity issues despite the growing tourism industry in Africa. During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, discussed ongoing efforts to overcome these barriers.
Grandcourt outlined the UNWTO’s collaboration with stakeholders to streamline visa entry requirements, implement digital visa systems, and advocate for a unified air transport market. She stressed the importance of addressing connectivity to unlock Africa’s tourism potential, a sentiment echoed by tourism ministers at the 67th Regional Commission Meeting for Africa in Zambia this July.
“Enhancing connectivity is crucial for attracting international tourists and boosting intra-regional travel, which is vital for the continent’s tourism growth,” Grandcourt emphasized. She affirmed that the UNWTO is dedicated to working with national governments, regional organizations, and both public and private sectors to resolve these issues.
Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, highlighted the country’s commitment to tourism development, boasting about Botswana’s world-renowned beef. He noted that tourism is a significant economic driver, prompting the government to revise its Tourism Policy and create a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan. Tsogwane invited attendees to experience Botswana’s cultural richness and unique culinary offerings.
Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the forum’s organizer, reiterated ATP’s dedication to helping African nations realize their tourism potential. Emily Mburu-Ndoria, Director of Trade in Services, Investment, IPR & Digital Trade at AfCFTA, encouraged countries to leverage tourism opportunities and outlined AfCFTA’s support initiatives.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) serves as a major Pan-African platform, uniting leaders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. The forum aims to share insights, develop strategies to enhance intra-African travel, and strengthen the global brand of “Destination Africa,” promoting overall tourism growth on the continent.
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