Africa is keen to take its tourism beyond safaris

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Africa attracts just five percent of the tourists worldwide in spite of boasting attractions starting right from the Pyramids and Victoria Falls to wildlife safaris and endless strips of immaculate beaches.

 
However, the huge potential of the continent can be explored by eco tourism, cultural experiences, domestic travel and political stability, explained the experts at an African tourism conference organized by Airbnb in Cape Town last week.

 
“When you look at the success stories, it’s those countries who’ve embraced trends,” said the African Tourism Association’s (ATA) managing director Naledi Khabo who spoke at the summit.

 
“When you look at some countries which have made sustainability a focal point, like Tanzania, or Rwanda, they’re very attractive for certain travellers.”

 
Eco-friendly safaris and carbon-neutral lodging attract huge number of tourists from Europe and North America.

 
The tourist number visiting Tanzania has doubled since 2006 to more than one million contributing 14 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, according to Tanzania Invest.

 
Khabo, who speaks for the African tourism sector, stated that other success stories included South Africa, “which is promoting the diversification of their products beyond the safari”.

 
South Africa has witnessed a major boom in terms of experience-based tours, taking travelers to deprived township and rural communities along with wine farms and game lodges.

Abigail Mbalo set up the 4RoomEkasi concept to highlight food and lifestyles in South Africa’s black communities to visitors

 
“We tapped into the development of tourism in rural and township spaces,” she said. “We are now starting to see cultural inclusivity. Those areas have been untapped.”

« Back to Page

• WTM Africa focuses on accessible tourism with vital growth of Africa’s travel industry

• Swan Hellenic Presents: Embark on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure Celebrating 30 Years of JourneyWoman with an Unforgettable 8-Day Cruise to South Africa

• Rivers State sets sights on medical tourism crown

• Aviterra Teams up With PAL-V to Introduce Revolutionary Flying Cars to Middle East and Africa

• ILTM Africa 2024 serves as an ideal trade platform for Africa travel industry