The first edition of the 2025 VoyagesAfriq Travel and Tourism Magazine arrives at a time when the global tourism landscape is experiencing remarkable transformation.
Following a year of robust recovery, 2024 saw international tourism numbers soar past pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion international arrivals recorded. This resurgence sets the stage for an eventful year ahead, marked by strategic policy shifts, high-profile investments and groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism across Africa and beyond.
At the heart of this movement is UN Tourism, which continues to drive investments and celebrate innovation in Africa’s most-visited destination, Morocco. As the organisation marks 50 years of global impact, its commitment to unity, progress and transformation has never been more evident. Across the Middle East, member states have reaffirmed their support for UN Tourism’s vision, ensuring that the region remains a key player in the industry’s future. Meanwhile, a strengthened collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is set to propel sustainable sports tourism growth across Africa, highlighting the sector’s immense potential in economic development.
Ghana, one of Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets, is entering a new era with the appointment of fresh leadership to steer the country’s tourism, culture and creative arts agenda. President John Dramani Mahama’s selection of Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto as CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority and Prof. Kobby Mensah as CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company signals a renewed focus on leveraging tourism for economic growth and heritage preservation. Further cementing its place as a leader in African travel, Ghana has also announced a groundbreaking policy to eliminate visa requirements for African passport holders, setting a precedent for regional integration and ease of travel on the continent.
Sierra Leone has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Ecotourism,’ a bold move towards sustainability, responsible tourism, and community-driven development. Similarly, Kenya has taken significant steps in easing travel restrictions, scrapping Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for African visitors. Such progressive policies are in line with the continent’s broader agenda of enhancing intra-African travel, a crucial pillar for tourism growth.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the tourism industry is set to witness a landmark event with the launch of the maiden Abidjan International Tourism and Leisure Trade Fair (SITLA) in May 2025. This premier event will bring together industry professionals, investors and travel enthusiasts to explore new opportunities and strengthen partnerships. Zambia, too, is making strides in tourism education with the upcoming Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit, an initiative aimed at equipping the next generation of tourism professionals with the skills needed for an evolving industry.
Luxury tourism in Africa is also experiencing an unprecedented boom. In an exclusive interview on the VA Tourism Podcast, Penny Fraser, Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships Director for RX Africa, delves into the trends and innovations shaping the high-end travel market. Meanwhile, African Adventure Specialists are expanding their footprint into Latin America while solidifying their presence in Southern Africa, reflecting the increasing demand for bespoke African travel experiences.
As Africa prepares to host the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November, tourism’s role in economic growth and job creation remains a focal point. This is further underscored by the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) €10 million loan to Azalaï Hotels Group to bolster the hospitality sector in West Africa. The investment will not only enhance hotel infrastructure but also stimulate employment and business opportunities across the region.
The cultural heritage of Africa continues to gain international recognition. Ghana’s iconic Kente cloth was inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024, celebrating its deep-rooted significance. Likewise, Ivory Coast’s beloved dish, Attiéké, has earned UNESCO recognition, reinforcing the country’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
The tourism community is also reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Carmen Nibigira, who passed away in November 2024. A visionary in African tourism, her contributions will remain influential for generations to come. Meanwhile, Uganda’s tourism sector receives a boost with the appointment of Lily Ajarova as Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, a role that acknowledges her dedication to advancing the nation’s tourism industry on the global stage.
In Madagascar, the National Tourism Office has renewed its partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, strengthening the island’s position as a premier travel destination. Air Seychelles, too, has achieved a significant milestone by securing ISAGO and IOSA certifications, reinforcing its commitment to safety and operational excellence.
The March 2025 VoyagesAfriq Travel & Tourism Magazine remains dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, expert opinions and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. With Africa’s tourism sector in a pole position for unprecedented growth, this edition serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a glimpse into the exciting developments shaping the future of travel and tourism on the continent, making it a must-read.
