The annual conference that brought together key actors of the tourism players from Africa and beyond was held from 24th to 26th October 2022.
This year’s event brought together 450 delegates from 43 African countries. The actors included ministers, officials of ministries of tourism, tour operators, travel agents, academics, aviation industry players, hoteliers, IT experts, students, among others that operate in the tourism industry globally.
The event centered on the advancement and development of tourism in the continent. Key among topics widely discussed was Covid-19 and its impact and lessons learnt from it and the way forward in overcoming Covid-19 challenges.
Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana in his opening remarks said the forum would undoubtedly provide the travel and tourism industry in Africa - and the rest of the world with a platform for exchanging ideas aimed at promoting travel to and around Africa.
Hon Philda Nani Kereng, the minister of Environment and Tourism said: "Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to constantly adapt to customers' changing needs and desires as customer satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are the focus of the tourism business." “Poor roads and limited flights in parts of Africa often force travel to a regional hub, or even outside the continent, for connecting flights to neighboring countries.”
He also said that poor infrastructure and standards of services of hotels are also a challenge and therefore called for the need to support hotels and other service providers to survive.
He pointed out that there are major hurdles with regard to intra-African travel and as such the need to discuss how to build up and address the serious challenges and bottle necks of free movement of people by easing free visa agreements.
Various subject and presentations were made on key areas of the tourism sector which includes: Tourism investments financing prospects, Africa MICE and tourism digitalization master classes.
Hon. Amat Bah, The Gambia’s minister of Tourism and Culture also attended and was part of the Ministerial & Executive Forum HARD talk – ensuring affordable regional air connectivity – advocating for air connectivity to unblock open skies.
The event hosted over thirty (30) world-renowned global industry experts, speakers, business leaders, ministers, and policy makers.
