The latest report from the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) shows that in the first quarter of 2025, Africa leads the world in international tourist growth with an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2024. Prominent countries such as Gambia, Morocco, Ethiopia and South Africa all recorded impressive results.
Along with the increasing demand for tourism , according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in the first 4 months of the year, the demand for travel to Africa increased by 9.1% compared to the same period in 2024, one and a half times higher than the global average increase of 6%. To meet the increasing demand, many international airlines are expanding or increasing the frequency of flights to Africa. China Southern Airlines announced that from July 24, it will increase the number of round-trip flights from Guangzhou (China) to Nairobi (Kenya) to 3 flights/week.
One of the outstanding factors that help Africa attract tourists is the wild nature and unique exploration journeys such as safari, where visitors can see rare animals such as lions, zebras, elephants or giraffes in the vast natural space. The "Tourism Trends 2025" report by Mastercard Economics Institute shows that there are 3 tourism product lines that are shaping the development of African tourism, including: nature tourism, health care resorts and local culinary experiences.
“Africa is becoming a pioneer in purpose-driven travel, where travelers seek to connect with nature, take care of their health and enjoy unique cuisine. This is a great opportunity for Africa to promote inclusive and sustainable growth and affirm its position on the global tourism map,” said Mark Elliot, President of Mastercard Africa.
In order to take advantage of the tourism industry's potential, many African countries have proactively launched major promotional initiatives and events in the first half of 2025, typically the Africa's Travel Indaba fair - one of the largest tourism marketing activities in the region.
Speaking at the event, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the economic opportunities in tourism. He said tourism is expected to contribute 10.4% of Africa’s GDP by 2030, up from 6.8% currently. In South Africa alone, tourism contributes 8.9% of GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, with plans to increase to more than 2 million by 2030.
Also at the event, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa said that the country is implementing a "Look East" policy, taking advantage of traditional relations with China to attract tourists from this country of more than one billion people to Zimbabwe for the purposes of relaxation, medical examination and trade.
At the ITB Berlin International Travel Fair (Germany), the East African Community (EAC) launched a joint banner: "Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe", with the aim of turning the region into a unified tourism destination.
The new East Africa tourism brand aims to showcase the beauty and cultural richness and appeal of East Africa as a seamless, multi-destination experience.
In 2024, the EAC will record around 8.5 million international tourist arrivals, up from 7.7 million in 2019. The bloc aims to attract more than 11 million tourists by the end of 2027.
With the coordinated efforts between African countries and the international community, especially the Asian market, Africa is increasingly affirming its position as one of the strategic and sustainable destinations of the global tourism industry in the near future.
However, African tourism faces many challenges due to conflicts, political instability, poverty, unemployment and inequality leading to widespread hardship and violence.
Given the need to integrate technology, innovation and sustainable development strategies, Africa needs to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism industry to thrive. African countries must promote innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/chau-phi-diem-den-du-lich-dang-troi-day-post894727.html
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