African Tourism now at 92 percent of pre-Covid19 levels
(Posted 23rd October 2023)
Tourism demand continues to show remarkable resilience and sustained recovery, even in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. Africa’s recovery is amongst the strongest, experiencing 92% of pre-crisis visitors in period between January – July 2023.
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM SWIFTLY OVERCOMING PANDEMIC DOWNTURN
International tourism has continued to recover from the worst crisis in its history as arrival numbers reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to the latest data from UNWTO. The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead the global sector’s rebound.
WTTC GLOBAL SUMMIT TO TACKLE SUSTAINABILITY, AI, EMERGING MARKETS
“Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future” will be the theme and agenda for the World Travel & Tourism Council’s 23rd Global Summit taking place in Kigali, Rwanda November 1-3, 2023. Being hosted in Africa for the first time, the year’s Global Summit will recognize the growth the travel and tourism sector has witnessed across the continent in recent years.
Africa, known for its breath-taking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, & diverse wildlife, has long been a sought-after destination for leisure travellers. In recent years, a growing trend has emerged, demonstrating that business tourism in Africa is making significant contributions to the continent’s overall tourism GDP.
Africa has become an undeniable focal point in the world of luxury destinations. Its allure is further heightened by the opulent experiences it has to offer. For those with a penchant for infinity pools and refined accommodations or a desire to embrace the wild in utmost luxury, here’s a list of the top luxury hotels across the African continent.
FROM HONEY HARVESTING TO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES, MALAWI IN AFRICA HAS IT ALL!
From immersive honey harvesting, and tranquil tea plantation walks to shopping for regional food ingredients, kayaking on Lake Malawi and hiking to a UNESCO World Heritage rock art site, Malawi embodies the warm heart of Africa.
Benin is a fun-filled country that has a lot to offer traveling families: stunning beaches, fascinating history, incredible national parks, and more. If you have children and are considering of an affordable, family friendly African country to visit that’s off the beaten track, Benin is the best bet for you.
WHY THE GARDEN ROUTE IS CONSIDERED THE MOST SCENIC ROAD TRIP IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Garden Route is perhaps the most famous in sub-Saharan Africa. The Garden Route is relatively short at only around 190 miles long, but it is packed with attractions and eye-watering scenery. It is located in the Western Cape not too far out of Cape Town.
MOTIFS AND ORNAMENTATIONS: INSPIRATIONS BEHIND THE COLORS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
African societies’ cultures are intrinsically linked to color. From fabrics to clothing, products, sculptures, and architecture, various societies explore rich and vibrant colors that are vivid, expressive, and joyful. Through different shades, hues, contrasts, motifs, and ornamentations, colors are embraced as an unspoken language, a palette for storytelling, and a sense of cultural identity.
ESSENCE FASHION HOUSE: THE ECOSYSTEM OF AFRICAN FASHION
Journalist Nana Agyemang who is also the Chief Executive Officer of EveryStylishGirl, assembled a diverse panel of African designers, fashion experts, & entrepreneurs. The Ecosystem of African Fashion included CEO of wholesale platform The Folklore, Amira Rasool, Barkue Tubman, Chief of Staff & Diasporic Engagement at Essence Ventures, and founder/creative director of fashion brand Chocolate, Kwaku Bediako.
The beloved fabric, deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, finds its own vibrant presence in neighboring Togo. Artisans in this region, whether working individually, in groups, or within craft centers, engage in a diverse range of creative endeavours, from wood carving to macramé, batik, and ceramics. However, it is the intricate craft of kente weaving that takes center stage – its patterns laden with symbolism.
THE NOLLYWOOD PIONEER SEEKING PERFECTION IN AFRICAN STORYTELLING
For three decades, Ego Boyo has prioritised quality over quantity in an industry where visibility is key. To an entire generation of Nigerian millennials, Ego Boyo was their first encounter with onscreen celebrity. Three decades after her first grand appearance on the scene, the Nigerian actress, filmmaker, activist and philanthropist has lived several lives in one, wearing each phase confidently.
Ivory Coast, the lively West African nation celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, is inviting music enthusiasts on a journey through its vibrant music. From traditional drumming to Afro-pop and reggae, the country’s music scene offers an amazing experience. Whether you’re dancing to the hypnotic sounds of Coupé-Décalé in Abidjan or swaying to the reggae rhythms at a beachside maquis, Ivory Coast guarantees an unforgettable and soul-stirring musical odyssey.
OSI UMENYIORA SAYS AN NFL GAME IN AFRICA IS NOT FAR-FETCHED
Former New York Giants star and Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora told ESPN that Africa hosting an NFL game is no longer a distant dream. Speaking at the NFL Experience Cape Town event, which he attended with fellow former NFL players, the Nigerian talent developer said when asked if Africa was ready to host: “100%.
SOUTH SUDANESE CHEER THEIR BASKETBALL TEAM’S RISE AND OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION
The country, which gained its independence just 12 years ago, is still celebrating the men’s national team after its first-ever qualification for the Olympics. South Sudan will play at the Paris Olympics as the automatic qualifier from Africa thanks to a 101-78 win over Angola a week ago at the basketball World Cup in the Philippines.
Images from (top to bottom) courtesy of UNWTO; courtesy of Adventure; courtesy of Travel Agent Central; courtesy of Bizcommunity; courtesy of TravelNoire; courtesy of Travel Off Path; courtesy of Travel + Leisure Asia; courtesy of Lonely Planet; courtesy of The Travel; courtesy of New York International Travel Show; courtesy of arch daily; courtesy of Essence; courtesy of Okay Africa; courtesy of Al Jazeera; courtesy of TravelNoire; courtesy of Cape Town Etc; courtesy of AP News.
