The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Africa’s Tourism Industry

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter pieces together aspects of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework that focuses on long-run sustainable tourism and economic development in Africa. It examines tourism-led growth in different African countries and assesses how the tourism industry contributes to economic development. Agenda 2063 is broken down in terms of how a common tourism industry can exist in Africa and what factors highlight a Pan-African approach. Background knowledge on the topic is thoroughly explored and presented in a chronological order pre-COVID-19 with important measures underscored. This includes an examination of the African Continental Free Trade Area, business tourism changes dating back to the 1990s, and highlights from the travel and aviation industry in Africa. Post-pandemic recommendations look at how several African countries are set to boost tourist trust on the continent and how the tourism industry represents a frontline sector that was the worst hit at the onset of the pandemic. Since the COVID-19 crisis, many tourists chose to pause on travel due to various uncertainties, including the cancelations of flights and travel, closing of borders, imposed lockdowns, COVID-19 tests, quarantine, and fear of novel infections—affecting the mobility and sociability of people. In Africa, recent efforts have been made to develop the tourism industry post-COVID-19 using attractions, accommodation, and accessibility as key starting points. Some African countries entering the market are now providing a wide range of destination options for tourists. In due course, standards of services and value for money will determine which countries and destinations will be most successful. There are many African countries which, for a number of reasons, have limited tourism development but have considerable potential. Local communities need to be featured through participatory partnerships and tourism projects, and government institutions need to effectively reinvest tourism revenue to better cater for conservation and local community-based initiatives. For tourism in Africa to be successful, it will be necessary to engage as many stakeholders as possible in African countries. Realizing these challenges will require a much-needed effort. In terms of the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 tourism industry standards, prioritizing destination readiness and tourism-led growth and development—continent-wide—should be integrated into a tourism action plan blueprint for a post-COVID-19 future.KeywordsSustainable tourismEconomic developmentBusiness tourismTravelTourism action planCOVID-19