The Surge of Africa's Tourism and Hospitality Sector in 2024

Africa is on the cusp of emerging as the world's second-fastest-growing major region in 2024, and at the forefront of this remarkable growth is East Africa, driven by a resurgent travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. The Africa Outlook 2024 report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) predicts that 12 out of the world's top 20 fastestgrowing economies in 2024 will be situated in Africa. The continent is poised to achieve an overall economic growth rate of 3.2% for the year, a significant leap from 2.6% in 2023, placing it just behind Asia in terms of growth.

East Africa, encompassing countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stands out as the most dynamic part of Africa when it comes to economic expansion. The services sector, which includes the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, is playing a pivotal role in driving these economies forward. Additionally, sectors such as resilient transport and logistics, vibrant financial markets, and thriving telecommunications industries contribute significantly to this growth.

The EIU report anticipates that specific regions in Africa will become some of the world's fastestgrowing tourism destinations in 2024. Increased investments in the sector, improved international connectivity, and robust demand for African destinations from both established and emerging markets are the driving forces behind this remarkable growth.

Africa consistently surpass expectations, setting a positive tone for the region's tourism prospects in the year ahead. However, it's worth noting that a significant increase in park fees, such as the rise to $100 per non-resident from January 1 to June 30, followed by a doubling to $200 per day from July 1 in Kenya's Maasai Mara, may potentially impact bookings. Blehle emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring these changes and speculates that they could even accelerate bookings in southern Africa.

Southern Africa, predominantly driven by a thriving high-end market, is also looking forward to a robust performance in 2024. Colin Bell, Co-founder of Natural Selection, points out that their properties in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa are currently experiencing excellent occupancy rates. This surge in demand is not exclusive to Natural Selection alone, as the region witnesses a significant influx of visitors from across the globe, catering to travelers of all kinds.

Building upon the success of 2023 and the sustained popularity of ecotourism, Natural Selection plans to solidify its premier camps and open the new Tawana Camp in the Okavango Delta by May. In South Africa, their Lekkerwater Beach Lodge in the Western Cape's De Hoop Nature Reserve achieved occupancy rates exceeding 90% during the peak summer season. Furthermore, they are gearing up to open the GweGwe Beach Lodge on the Wild Coast by Easter 2024.

in key source markets. There's a notable influx of clients seeking tailor-made curated itineraries. Suzanne Benadie, Sales Manager for the division, identifies wellness travel, multigenerational travel, and special-interest travel as the fastestgrowing sub-sectors for 2024. Luxury lifestyle experiences, such as unique food and wine pairings, helicopter transfers, and exclusiveuse properties, are gaining traction among travelers. Responsible tourism has become a nonnegotiable aspect for many travelers, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainable and ethical travel practices.

Tourism is undeniably in the spotlight as a key driver behind Africa's anticipated status as the world's second-fastest-growing region in 2024. Africa's resurgence is powered by a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector that promises an exhilarating year ahead, showcasing the continent's natural beauty, cultural richness, and growing allure for travelers worldwide.

Sabine Blehle, CEO of GoVacation Africa, reports that bookings in East

Sense of Africa's South Africa division is surpassing 2023 figures