Report reveals why Africa is doing poorly in international arrivals

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The recently released Africa Hospitality Report 2018/19 has revealed that Africa receives only 5% of the international arrivals despite the fact that the continent’s travel and tourism industry has continued to record impressive growth over the years.

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In 2017, the continent hit a 63 million high in international tourist arrivals as compared to 58 million in 2016. The growth record is slightly above the global performance of a 7% rise in 2017, to reach a total of 1.323 billion international tourist arrivals.

Results were driven by the continued recovery in Tunisia & Morocco and strong performance in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius and Zimbabwe. Island destinations Seychelles, Cabo Verde and Reunion recorded double-digit growth in arrivals.

The number however represents only 5% of the world share of international tourist arrivals that Africa receives. In a recently launched Africa Hospitality Report 2018/19, Jumia Co-Founder Sacha Poignoinnec noted that this percentage represents great potential for the African travel market as demand continues to grow due to strong economic growth, a middle class on the rise and a young population.

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Respectively, Europe boasts a 51% world share of international arrivals, while Asia and the Pacific 24%, Americas 16% and the Middle East 4%.

In the same report, the UNWTO’s Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted challenges hindering the growth of the sector in Africa which include travel advisories by international tourist sources and political instability.

Inadequate air travel between the major African cities due to poor intra-African air connectivity and lack of strategic marketing of brand Africa are also among top issues.

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“We are also dealing with negative perception of brand identity and image of the continent. Africa is not a country but a continent, home to more than a billion very creative, entrepreneurial and tech savvy Africans. It is however viewed as the only home to a fascinating wildlife and torn apart by war, poverty and diseases,” said Pololikashvili.

Others challenged include underdeveloped tourism infrastructure, visa restrictions and lack of a common visa policy as well as lack of access to adequate funding and underfunding at the ministerial level.

What do you think can be done to increase international arrivals in Africa?

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