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Africa is banking on intra-Africa tourism in a bid to promote diverse tourism potential and tap on the increasing interest for travels among Africans.
In a joint meeting by African tourism ministers at the ongoing INDABA tourism fair in Durban South Africa, the respective countries seeks to support ease of visa regulation, air access and joint promotion on tourism.
The ministerial conference brought together 18 tourism ministers, heads of tourism from respective countries, the media and the travel trade.
South African Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom said it was time for Africa to unite and help promote intra Africa tourism.
“We must all stand and work together to promote intra Africa tourism which has immense potential of turning around fortunes of the sector in the continent,” the Minister said.
He added that tourism can reshape lives, bring new hope and make dreams come true, not only for individuals and communities but for millions of people on the continent.
Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange said it was time for Africa to stand together and be counted despite all the challenges that have faced the continent in the recent past.
He said Africa’s rich tourism products remain world’s admiration but expressed his concerns that the continent was only able to attract about 5 per cent of the travelers globally.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Acting Chief Executive Officer Jacinta Nzioka-Mbithi who was representing the Kenya government said that African market has shown resilience to challenges such as insecurity, threats of diseases and other calamities.
“Africa is our next frontier and this is the time for us as a continent to leverage on each other’s strength, synergize on our varied expertise and resilience for the betterment of the sector”
At the same time, KTB CEO said Kenya was riding on prevailing peace to woo in travelers back to the country and disclosed that Kenya is targeting to increase the flow of tourists from South Africa by 20 per cent at the close of the year.
She said KTB has trained over 300 tour operators on tourism products so as to enhance destination awareness among potential travelers.
The prospects of the South African market have received a boost with the national carrier, Kenya Airways announcing a three times a week direct flights into Cape Town from Nairobi beginning July this year.
“Our ease of access with a flight of less than 5 hours to Nairobi by KQ and South Africa Airways, products suited to segments such as, family, couples, and special interest groups are pulling factors for our clientele, “ says Nzioka