Tourism in Africa has a very promising future. But its expansion and development spend by better transport infrastructure - particularly in terms of air routes, roads and railways. In addition, we need a more open borders and improved marketing for niche areas such as ecological travel and adventure.
The potential of tourism in Africa is untapped, writes Mthuli Ncube, Chief Economist and Vice-Chair of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the foreword to the first issue of Africa Tourism Monitor, a joint initiative of the ADB, Africa Travel Association and the Africa House at New York University.
"Although Africa accounts for 15% of the world population, it receives only about 3% of world tourism," writes Mthuli Ncube. "To maximize the potential of tourism in Africa, it is necessary critical investments in key infrastructure sectors such as transport, energy, water and telecommunications. "
It is in Africa that are some of the most dynamic economies, and income from tourism in Africa already represent more than double the amount of aid donors. There are extraordinary opportunities to further develop tourism in Africa, but challenges remain.
The need for solid infrastructure (in the form of transport corridors and roads in good condition), better flight connections and fewer visas when crossing the African borders are just some of the reasons why tourism does not take off in Africa.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 63.6 million international tourists came to Africa in 2012, against 17.4 million visitors in 1990 six countries that received the most international tourism receipts in 2012 are in descending order: Egypt ($ 9.94 billion), followed by South Africa (9.994 billion dollars), Morocco (6.711 billion dollars), Tunisia (2.183 billion dollars), Tanzania (1.564 billion) and Mauritius (1.477 billion dollars).
The economic potential of tourism, which has a direct and indirect impact on employment, is remarkable. In Africa alone, travel and tourism generated in 2012, 8.2 million direct jobs.
The population of Africa, nearly 70% are under age 25 and whose youth represent some 37% of the workforce - but about 60% of the unemployed - is the youngest in the world. It is for this reason that ADB will promote tourism through the development of border infrastructure and regional transport corridors. This should facilitate the movement of people and goods across the continent.
The future of Africa is bright, given the strong growth of eco-tourism and adventure, coupled with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the continent.
Several airlines of the United States, Africa, Europe and the Middle East are already planning to expand their routes. Pristine beaches and remote villages will soon be part of the past.
