Africa‘s travel and tourism industry is set to add billions to the continent’s economy as travellers flock to its majestic wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Projections show coastal tourism alone exceeding £79.6billion ($100bn) by 2030 and creating 28 million jobs, according to ESI Africa.
Another estimate from VFS Global and the World Travel and Tourism Council revealed in 2023 that the sector could add £133.8bn ($168bn) to the continent’s economy and bring 18 million jobs.
While the figures vary, what seems clear is that there is abundant optimism for Africa’s travel and tourism industry.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, international arrivals across Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
Travel and tourism has been described as a “powerhouse sector” for the continent, which welcomed 84 million international travellers alone in 2019, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
According to Travel and Tour World, the sector’s success is being led by Kenya, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritania, Madagascar, Angola, Ghana and Nigeria.
Travellers are said to be drawn to the continent’s wildlife, culture, and natural landscapes, and there have been reports of “record-breaking” growth in the countries listed above.
Relaxed visa policies have helped boost visitor numbers in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and others. Brits arriving in Zimbabwe, for example, can usually be granted a 30-day visa on arrival, with the option to apply for an e-visa before travel.
Kenya operates an online visa application scheme, under which Brits must apply for travel authorisation online at least two weeks before departure.
The East African country enjoyed a record-breaking year for travel and tourism in 2023, contributing £6.1bn (one trillion Kenyan shillings) to its economy. According to WTTC, one in 13 jobs in Kenya is in the sector.
Julia Simpson, President and Chief Exec at WTTC has said: “The recovery of Kenya’s travel and tourism sector is a testament to its resilience.
“Achieving record-breaking growth across economic contribution, jobs, and domestic visitor spending highlights the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economy.
“Although international visitor spending is currently lagging behind its high point, the future of travel and tourism in Kenya looks strong, with substantial opportunities for growth and development over the next decade.”
Globally, travel and tourism accounted for 9.1% of world GDP last year, at just over £7.8 trillion ($9.9tn)—the largest it’s been since its peak in 2019.
The “booming” industry is set to be a “job creation juggernaut”, generating jobs for 449 million people worldwide by 2034, according to WTTC.
