Africa’s Tourism Industry To Grow at Record Levels – WTTC

Over the next 10 years, Africa is set to develop the world’s fastest growing travel and tourism market, alongside Asia-Pacific, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

According to David Scowsill, president and ceo of WTTC, the growth of Africa’s travel and tourism industry is set to reach and contribute 4,9% to the sector’s GDP over the next decade, equalling the growth of the Asia-Pacific region.

The estimated forecasts for the other regions include: Middle East 4,6%; the Americas 3,8%; and Europe 2,8%. The overall worldwide growth is estimated to reach 3,9%.

David says: “The world has mostly been focused on Asia-Pacific as the fastest growing region but our latest figures demonstrate the potential in Africa’s travel and tourism industry, which is ripe for investment. However, the region’s current forecast of 4.5% growth in travel and tourism capital investment per year over the next ten years is still well below the growth for investment in the Asia-Pacific region, forecast at 5.7%, and the world overall.”

David believes that, for Africa’s full potential to be realised, African nations must collectively focus on four areas: Africa must expand investment in tourism infrastructure; improve connectivity and air liberalisation; have common visas across multiple countries; and invest in human capital to build the capacity and skill set of the workplace.

“The economic potential of tourism in Africa is remarkable but for this to materialise it is critical that individual nations strengthen their unique branding positions to help fulfil the forecasted growth,” he said.

Source: http://www.etnw.co.za