Angola is positioning itself as one of Africa’s rising tourism destinations, using the stage of the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa to unveil its growing ambition and tangible progress in the sector.
Held on 22 July in Luanda, the high-level meeting convened African Ministers of Tourism and Transport, representatives from international organizations, and key aviation stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for enhancing air connectivity, improving regional mobility, and promoting tourism-led development across the continent.
Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, in his message delivered at the opening of the conference that spotlighted the country’s natural and cultural richness while reaffirming its commitment to shaping a more accessible and competitive Africa.
He said: “Feel greeted by the crystal-clear waters of the rivers that, from Angola, feed the majestic Okavango Delta; by the Namibe Desert in Namibe Province ; the oldest desert in the world; by the irresistible power of the Calandula Falls : the second largest waterfall in Africa; by the elegance of the Giant Sable Antelope : a species found only in Angola; by the tropical Mayombe forest in Cabinda Province; and by the golden beaches and imposing cliffs of Benguela and Namibe. But more importantly, feel embraced by the warmth and joy of Angola’s greatest treasure: the hospitality of our people, our vibrant culture, the sway of our kizomba and the energy of our kuduro. Ladies and gentlemen, feel at home.”
This vivid invitation comes at a time when Angola is scaling up its tourism infrastructure and unlocking new opportunities for investment.
Among the most significant developments is the construction of a new international convention centre, set to host large-scale conferences and business tourism events.
The project marks a major step in positioning Luanda as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions in the region.
The government is also working in close partnership with UN Tourism to enhance Angola’s overall destination readiness.
This includes the development of a Tourism Doing Business Guide to streamline investment processes, a national Sustainable Tourism Plan, and improved systems for tourism statistics and marketing.
According to Daniel: “In less than a year of joint and collaborative work, we can be proud of what we have achieved together. I highlight your personal commitment to: the holding of this Interministerial Conference in Angola; the signing of the Agreement for the development of the Tourism Doing Business Guide for Attracting Investment in Tourism in Angola; Technical Assistance for the Development of Tourism Marketing, the Sustainable Tourism Plan and Tourism Statistics.”
The Minister also addressed the challenges faced by delegates travelling to Luanda, including long layovers, multiple flight connections, and visa difficulties.
These barriers, he said, reflect a larger issue that needs urgent reform.
He added: “Dear colleagues, it is time for change. It is in our hands to ensure that the hurdles we faced to participate in this event do not remain part of our citizens’ daily lives.”
The Luanda Declaration, adopted during the conference, calls for collective action to address these challenges through visa waivers and open skies agreements across African countries. This regional effort mirrors Angola’s own strategic goals in transport and tourism.
“Bureaucracy in border control and the operational costs of the air transport market reduce our countries’ competitive agility and, to some extent, delay our collective goal: transforming African countries into sustainable and competitive tourist destinations in the global context.”
The Minister closed his speech with a tribute to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, whose mandate is concluding.
He acknowledged Pololikashvili’s deep engagement with Africa and Angola’s tourism agenda by saying: “Zurab, my friend, a friend of Angola, a friend of Africa and Africans. Your tenure has been remarkable for Africa. You put Africa on the map. You did so much for us. You were truly a son of Africa.”
As Angola moves forward, it is anchoring its tourism vision in regional collaboration, destination development, and long-term sustainability. From natural wonders and unique wildlife to music, culture, and new infrastructure, Angola is shaping a modern tourism story with strong foundations and a global outlook.
“Together and all for tourism,” the Minister summed up Angola’s message to Africa and the world.
