{"id":73124,"date":"2022-10-27T12:16:08","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T10:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/?p=73124"},"modified":"2022-10-27T12:16:08","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T10:16:08","slug":"africas-tourism-industry-booms-again-after-covid-19-lockdowns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/africas-tourism-industry-booms-again-after-covid-19-lockdowns\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa’s tourism industry booms again after covid-19 lockdowns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Umamah Bakharia\u00a0<\/em>|\u00a0ub@radioislam.co.za<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

2 min read
\n27 October 2022 | 12:00 am CAT<\/span><\/p>\n

As we head closer to the holiday season and somewhat out of the Covid-19 pandemic, holiday destinations are on the radar.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: United Nations<\/p><\/div>\n

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Earlier in the week, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi says the tourism industry in Africa is under threat due to modernisation and evolving client expectations.<\/p>\n

\u201cA new generation of tourists in emerging and the hospitality and tourism sector is undergoing a fundamental shift in the way it operates occasioned by changing global economies as well as government policies,\u201d said Masisi.<\/p>\n

He spoke at the 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum at the Grand Palm Hotel Convention Centre in Gaborone, Botswana, where more than 400 delegates were in attendance.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Radio Islam International<\/strong><\/em>, tourism expert Francine Zana says the African tourism sector is recovering well following lockdowns.<\/p>\n

“In 2020\/2021, we were down almost 72% from 2019, so 2022 is showing some very good recovery, with it currently being 40% from 2019, so numbers with better results are expected during the summer season [or] during holiday season,” says Zana.<\/p>\n

Africa has been known for its wildlife destinations, with Kenya and Egypt among the most desirable locations to experience the continent’s essence.<\/p>\n

However, Zana says the continent faces an issue of safety and costs that play a role for international tourists visiting Africa.<\/p>\n