World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed in a report published in collaboration with VFS Global, stated that the African Travel and Tourism sector could add US$168 billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs.
According to the report “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel and Tourism Growth in Africa”, there are three key policies that could enable Africa to achieve an annualized growth of 6.5 percent, reaching a contribution of over US$350 billion, VisaGuide.World reports.
This report, which was presented at WTTC’s Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, focuses on a policy package that aims to improve Africa’s growth in terms of air infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.
“Africa’s Travel and tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. The growth potential for Travel and Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies, it could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade,” the President and CEO at WTTC, Julia Simpson, said while commenting on the report.
In 2019, the Travel and Tourism sector contributed more than US$186 billion to Africa’s economy and welcomed 84 million international travelers.
In addition, it also played a crucial role in employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, which is 5.6 percent of all jobs in the region.
“VFS Global recognizes the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent,” Zubin Karkaria, the founder and CEO of VFS Global, noted.
Furthermore, the report explores the history of the Travel and Tourism sector in Africa, highlighting how it has confronted challenges such as the global financial crisis in 2008, disease outbreaks, and political instability. Despite these obstacles and challenges, the sector is now on a path to recovery.
According to the global body, 2023 is expected to be a year of nearly complete recovery, coming within 1.9 percent of 2019 levels and generating almost 1.8 million new jobs.
The report further underscores various opportunities within the African Travel and Tourism sector. These opportunities encompass strategic investments, improved connectivity, streamlined visa processes, the adoption of low-carbon energy to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, and enhanced water efficiency measures.
By capitalizing on these opportunities, there is the potential for fostering sustainable growth, creating more jobs, and urging economic development in the African Travel and Tourism sector.
