The importance of Tourism in Africa

I was recently asked to answer a very important question. I had to give a strategic answer because it is important that I stand on business when giving responses related to Africa. The question was ‘’if you were given an opportunity to travel anywhere in the world fully funded, where would you go?’’. What a very loaded and important question I pondered. 

Tourism is an important economic sector for many African countries. According to the World Bank Tourism in Africa report, The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates ”that 3.8 million jobs (including 2.4 million indirect jobs) could be created by the tourism industry in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the next 10 years”. So before, I answered I thought widely of the power of the tourism sector.

Well, generally I love traveling and when being asked such questions I respond immediately. However, this time around I took a deep breath and gave it some thought. This is because traveling in general has given me a different perspective and shaped my worldview in so many ways. Overall, traveling has both enhanced my personal and professional development. Traveling has also pushed me out of my comfort zone. 

So, naturally my response would be, any AFRICAN country only. However, because of my professional development. I responded by saying because it is fully funded and there are no limits. My first travel destination would be anywhere in Africa. However, I am open to exploring any Asian or Caribbean countries. 

As someone who has had the opportunity to travel to Lithuania. My view of the African continent was immensely challenged. I personally bear witness to technological advancement and infrastructure development. The wiFi in the train and bus stations etc. The well maintained infrastructure and clean cities. It was a breath of fresh air. Having witnessed so much development, my mind squealed leapfrog Africa now. Everything was beautiful and functioned well. I am glad I got to witness the advancement and it’s okay to have an informed comparative analysis right?

However, the ungovernable and unapologetic pan-Africanist in me is always rooting for Africa. We cannot turn a blind eye to the colonization, oppression and slavery that was home to our African continent. Our continent was home to suffering, pain and injustice. We tread on the blood that was shed by our forefathers. We have had to learn to embrace our history and use it as a mechanism of hope for our future. We walk around with the psychological wounds instilled by oppression and term them resilience. Yet, we are still the most warm, kind-hearted, generous and vibrant continent. 

So please ask me again, which country I would visit when fully funded. My answer from an entrepreneurial, storyteller and scholar point of view. I would go anywhere in the world but my first pick is on the African continent. Why Africa? Well, why not Africa?

I want to explore the array of cultures on the continent. I want my taste buds to be teased by the flavours. I want my nose to tingle because of the aroma of the variety of spice blends. I want my ears to ring with rich authentic accents and languages. I want to hear the bustling cities, feel the humidity and sweat to drip down my face. I want to see the children running around and  playing carefree on the streets. 

But most importantly, I want to see the beauty. I want to learn about the history of oppression. I want to see the impact that slavery and colonialism had on our political landscape. I want to experience how this injustice impacts Africa’s socio-economic outlook. I want to encounter the realities in Africa and confront them without judgment. Being in Africa requires me to tell the authentic stories on how injustice birthed us with forced resilience. Being in Africa means changing the narrative and confronting every stereotype associated with Africa.

My Africa is beautiful. My Africa is home. It is home to the many magnificent tourist attractions.

I understand that it’s that time of the year where people are looking to go on vacation. If you are still contemplating on which country to visit? Have you considered Africa? If not look no further, visit Africa now. You will not regret this decision one bit. As for me, personally I will go anywhere in the world however, Africa will always be my first pick. 

Happy new month Botlhale Hub Afrika Community 

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country should I visit next? 

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