This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration here.
30.10.2023 - 15:27 / skift.com / Selene Brophy / Africa
Africa’s long-term travel prospects hinged on its domestic demand, a trend accelerated by the pandemic and an opportunity for the continent’s tourism-rich countries.
“Africa for Africa is vital,” said Anita Mendiratta, special advisor to the UNWTO Secretary General, who spoke to Skift at the Airbnb Africa Summit in Johannesburg.
“Domestic tourism was always the poor cousin of tourism. If you couldn’t afford to travel overseas, you stayed at home. Now, the value of domestic tourism has remained,” Mendiratta said.
For example, domestic tourism in South Africa climbed by 31% in overnight trips during the first four months of 2023 from a year earlier. Domestic travel spending during this period rose by 41%, according to South Africa’s Tourism Department data.
An Airbnb Economic Impact study detailing bookings for 2022 showed domestic stays in the country had increased by 34%, with seven of the 10 fastest-growing places visited outside of South Africa’s main tourist areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
While the World Travel & Tourism Council forecast the tourism sector could contribute 7% to the continent’s GDP in the next decade, challenges remain. This is despite the recently introduced African Continental Free Trade Area, the world’s largest by participant count, anticipated to ease trade and services across the continent.
High travel costs and poor transportation networks within and between countries make planning a trip harder than in other, more developed destinations. Mendiratta called the continent’s visa issues between countries a costly barrier.
WTTC pre-pandemic data also showed that domestic tourism accounted for 55% of spending in Africa, compared to 83% in North America and 64% in Europe, pre-pandemic.
Yet, analysts suggest Africa’s expanding middle class could have domestic and regional tourism potential. The World Bank estimated a pre-pandemic middle class of 170 million people spread across the continent and its diverse economies, including Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria.
The African Development Bank sees one-third of the continent’s population as middle class based on a $2-20 daily spending, unlike data firm Fraym, which identified a “consumer class” of 330 million by analyzing ownership and education.
The continent has the youngest population in the world, with more than 60% of Africans under 25, which further presents a potential travel segment worth nurturing.
Developing unique travel products for African destinations that highlight the continent’s diverse offerings is essential, according to Jerry Mabena, CEO of Motsamayi Tourism.
While African destinations may share common attractions like the Big Five, each has unique cultural and historical aspects inherently
This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration here.
Travel Advisors are experiencing growing demand from clients who want customized itineraries and experiences that meet their personal and changing travel tastes. Customized experiences that will give them a lifetime of memories and a few bragging rights at get-togethers with family and friends—that’s what they’re looking for.
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Brazil and South Africa have signed an agreement to foster collaboration between the two countries in their tourism initiatives.
Demand and confidence in travel continue to reach pre-pandemic levels, and the industry took another significant step forward on Thursday night with the 2023 edition of the Travvy Awards.
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Major destinations and source markets across Africa are expected to end 2023 ahead of pre-pandemic values in terms of value, with domestic tourism performing strongly, reveals new research published today. The WTM Global Travel Report, in association with Tourism Economics, is published to mark the opening of this year’s WTM London, the world’s most influential travel and tourism event.
I've spent most of my adult life in South Africa, and one thing I never tire of is safari trips. I've been on more than 30 safaris, ranging from trips with no-frills accommodations to ones with all-inclusive private lodges.
Misguided stereotypes often define inbound tourism to South Africa. Think: “exotic” safaris with , , or themes — and poverty voyeurism.