George Moolman (Dip ESA)’s Post

#WorldTourismDay: PROMOTING PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH THROUGH TOURISM IN AFRICA ➡ This World Tourism Day, we highlight the transformative potential of tourism in fostering #peace and driving #sustainabledevelopment across Africa. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic cities, the continent offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking meaningful, authentic adventures. ➡ Tourism plays a crucial role in promoting peace by facilitating cultural exchange, building understanding among diverse communities, and enhancing social cohesion. It also serves as a key driver of economic growth, creating opportunities that contribute to sustainable development across the region. ➡ The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is committed to strengthening Africa’s tourism and cultural sectors, recognizing their immense potential for peacebuilding and economic progress. ➡ As one of the five priority service sectors under the AfCFTA agreement, tourism is poised to unlock new opportunities for regional integration and cooperation. This landmark agreement will streamline the movement of goods and people, facilitating increased intra-African tourism and showcasing the continent’s remarkable diversity. ➡ As international interest in Africa’s tourism offerings continues to grow, the continent stands to gain significantly by supporting local economies, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and creating sustainable livelihoods. 🌍 Through responsible tourism, Africa can harness its potential to foster peace, enhance prosperity, and drive long-term sustainability. #Voice4Africa #tourism #africa Hanna Kleber Julia Kleber ReThinking Africa

New Report Shows How Travel & Tourism in Africa Could Boost Continent’s Economy by US$168BN Over the Next 10 Years In a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186BN to the region's economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travelers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6% of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali last year, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa's Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent's economy." Read More: https://lnkd.in/deEEP_vC #TravelAndTourism #AfricaEconomy #WTTC #VFSGlobal #TourismBoost #EconomicGrowth

Tourism in South Africa - A Doorway To Cultural Heritage and Inclusivity 🇿🇦 September is Tourism Month in South Africa during which the country spotlights the importance of the sector’s contribution to the economy, and showcases the plethora of tourism offerings available to domestic and international visitors in all the nine provinces. The theme this year is “Tourism and Peace - 30 years of connecting people, places and culture”. It is an extension of the annual World Tourism Day on 27 September - a UN Tourism initiative that underscores the tourism sector’s pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The global theme of “Tourism and Peace” highlights how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. Read the full article from the latest edition here: https://hubs.la/Q02RkYw50 #Tourism #Peace #WorldTourismDay #UnitedNations #SouthAfrica #PublicSectorLeaders #Publication #TopcoMedia

#Africa's #travel and tourism sector is projected to reach over $23 billion in revenue by 2024, reflecting a 7.49% growth compared to the previous year, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the #UN Economic Commission for Africa, noted that by 2023, Africa had regained 92% of its pre-crisis tourism levels. Tourism is seen as a key driver for economic prosperity, job creation, and sustainable development, especially for Africa's growing youth population. However, improved infrastructure, transport systems, and connectivity are essential for the sector's continued growth. read more here: https://lnkd.in/dpA5SsD9

In 2013, South Africa experienced a peak in tourist arrivals from China. However, various domestic challenges and a global pandemic have significantly impacted these numbers over the years. Back in 2020, we anticipated that the Asian region would be the first to rebound in travel, having entered the global crisis first. Contrary to expectations, their recovery has been prolonged. But, despite these challenges, there exists a significant opportunity to engage with Chinese trade and travel professionals as we aim to attract a new demographic of Chinese traveller to Cape Town. Excitingly, over the past few years, we have actively developed campaigns targeting potential mid to high-end travellers and travel trade in China, in partnership with the remarkable team at Create Consulting. Our efforts have included various online platforms, digital media content, and in-person activities - all designed to promote Cape Town safaris and the Western Cape region. In the coming days, the Aquila Collection "Cape Town Safari Roadshow" will take us on a journey across the People's Republic of China, ensuring that Cape Town and our bucket list wildlife excursions are highlighted prominently. While the Chinese recovery has been gradual, there's a renewed vigour in South Africa, spurred by our new Government of National Unity - and we are hopeful for improvements in our visa system and enhanced ministerial support to boost tourism - to help unlock markets like China. Our upcoming strategic roadshow to this tactical growth market is supported by South African Tourism and Emirates, managed by Create Consulting on behalf of the Aquila Collection, with an exciting collaboration with KWV. Imagine the potential impact on Cape Town’s overall tourism sector if we can re-engage markets that have historically supported us, tap into new growth areas, and continue to bolster existing inbound business. Cape Town is truly a magical destination, and we are eager to showcase this to potential Chinese travellers during our Cape Town Safari Roadshow from July 20 to July 30, 2024. Aquila Collection Create Consulting Jamie-Lee Ackerman Michael Jones Charl Albertyn, PhD #AquilaCollection #CapeTownSafaris #LoveCapeTown #AquilaSafari #VisitSouthAfrica #VisitCapeTown

In 2024, Africa is emerging as the world’s second-fastest-growing tourism region, fueled by robust economic expansion, heightened investment, and a surge in global interest. #AfricaTourism #TourismRenaissance #ExploreAfrica #Travel2024 #ContinentalGrowth https://lnkd.in/dtMQzhN7

🌏🌿 Launch of the Strengthening Vietnam-Australia Tourism Cooperation Report We’re excited to launch the "Strengthening Vietnam-Australia Tourism Cooperation" report, created with support from Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). This research uncovers untapped opportunities for tourism operators, industry leaders, and government stakeholders. With Vietnam’s tourism sector on the rise—expecting 18 million international visitors by the end of 2024—and a growing influx of Vietnamese visitors to Australia, this report shows how businesses can tap into this thriving market. The report outlines key areas for growth, such as expanding air services, improving visa policies, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. It also explores the challenges and collaborative opportunities that can enhance economic and cultural ties between both nations. As Australia and Vietnam strengthen their tourism cooperation, the benefits for both countries are clear—building a brighter, greener tourism future together. Want to know more? Download the report here. 🔗 English version: https://lnkd.in/g6qkKhGE 🔗 Vietnamese version: https://lnkd.in/gCKf82Qr 📌 Read the media release from Minister for Trade and Tourism the Hon. Senator Don Farrell on new initiatives growing visitation from Vietnam: https://lnkd.in/gBtpSA4B Grant Keys, Grant Ferres, Samantha Palmer FIPAA, Daniel Boyer, Andrew Goledzinowski, Sarah Hooper, Juliet Thuy Nguyen, Robert Law GAICD, Antonia Robson, Leigh Howard, Tourism Research Australia #VietnamAustraliaTourism #SustainableTourism #TourismReport #AsialinkBusiness #Austrade

Really enjoyed getting to develop this report as a big fan of Vietnam and its amazing tourist destinations! Our report identifies the potential for continued strong growth in two-way travel between Australia and Vietnam, and provides business with insights and data to help inform their investments. Big thanks to everyone involved and happy reading. #Asialinkbusiness #Austrade #VietnamTourism #AustraliaTourism

How accessible is South Africa to tourists? It is crucial to assess the challenges and opportunities within our tourism sector. Prof. Elmarie Slabbert, Director of the TREES research unit at North-West University, emphasises the vital role of air access and public transport in enhancing our country’s appeal to international visitors. While South Africa's tourism industry is rebounding, significant hurdles remain. Limited public transport coverage in rural areas and safety concerns can deter potential tourists. Prof. Slabbert highlights the Kruger National Park Airport as a beacon of hope, illustrating how improved air access can promote tourism in less-explored regions. To bolster our tourism economy, accounting for approximately 3% of South Africa's GDP. We must focus on enhancing air capacity and transport infrastructure. Collaborating with stakeholders will be essential to secure more direct flights and improve accessibility across the country. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wO5Qn #MyNWU #NWUExperts #OTMSA2024

Uganda’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, with a remarkable 26% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024. Stakeholders say, this growth is driven by enhanced collective marketing efforts, MICE and improved infrastructure, underscoring the nation’s rising appeal as a prime travel destination in Africa. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” primarily for its national parks, mountains, lake Victoria and river Nile among others has in the past recent seen exponential growth in the tourism sector. However, because of the onset of covid-19, the sector grappled with the effects of pandemic including miminal travels both domestic and foreign bringing a sharp drop of tourist arrivals from 1.5 Million international arrivals in 2019 to 800,000 in 2022. With fully opening of the economy accompanied by promotion initiatives, the numbers sour to 1.3M by the end of 2023. The sector has further witnessed recovery with a substantial rise in tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2024. With 704,012 international tourists in the first two quarters of 2024 up from 558678 in 2023 registering a 26% growth rate. Vivian Lyazi, the commissioner of tourism development in the ministry of tourism, attributes this growth to a number of marketing representatives distributed across key potential tourist countries. https://lnkd.in/dzE9dWkP #uganda #aviation #blueberrytravels #explore