Over the next decade, Africa’s travel and tourism sector could add US$168 billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million jobs.
This was revealed at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, last week based on a report by the WTTC titled, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’.
VFS Global and WTTC discussed the report at the Global Summit, highlighting that this potential growth depended on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5%, reaching a contribution of more than US$350bn.
The report, released on November 1, includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.
Travel and tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$186bn to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers.
The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihood to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region.
Speaking at the Summit, Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: “Africa’s travel and tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy.
“The growth potential is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade.”
She pointed out that Africa needed simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations on the continent.
VFS to partner with WTTC
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, said: “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that travel and tourism offers in Africa.
“Having established our presence in Africa since 2005, we are today the trusted partner of 38 governments whom we serve across 55 cities in 35 African countries. VFS Global recognises the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent.”
Karkaria pointed out that the report not only highlighted the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration, but also provided valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offer businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.
“This report delves into the historical journey of the travel and tourism sector in Africa. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the global financial crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks, and political instability.
“Despite all these challenges, the travel and tourism sector is on a path to recovery,” he said.
According to the WTTC, 2023 is projected to be a year of near-full recovery, only 1.9% shy of 2019 levels, as well as the creation of close to 1.8 million jobs.
The report highlights the opportunities for the sector, which include strategic investments improved connectivity, streamlined visa processes, reducing its carbon footprint through low-carbon energy adoption, and enhanced water efficiency.
