Last week, Angolan tourism minister Angela Bragança announced the launch of a tourism and cultural tour-guide book during an event celebrating the inclusion of Mbanza Kongo in the world heritage list. The guide is mainly aimed at tourists and will provide more information about Angola’s tourist and cultural sites.
Cultural tourism is also making a comeback in the rest of Africa. Early July for instance, French president Emmanuel Macron’s visited Fela Kuti’s shrine during his visit in Nigeria. Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode expressed his hope that this visit would boost the state’s quest to become the culture and entertainment capital of Africa. An enthusiasm that many Nigerians also shared on social media.
Nigeria needs to tap into the influence and legacy of the great legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Abami Eda is an icon all over the world. This is a tourist attraction Nigeria can benefit from. #CelebrateAfricanCulture #CelebratingAfricanCulture pic.twitter.com/AHDhADtzEc
— Banks & Phil NG (@BanksandPhil) July 3, 2018
Talking about Nigeria, online agency Jumia Travel released their report on the country’s tourism sector. The report outlines that travel and tourism was directly responsible for 1,9% of Nigeria’s GDP, which is estimated at 1.118 trillion and was predicted to rise by 2.9% by end of 2018. Tourism created 1.2 million jobs so far and the country would have welcomed 1.8 million foreigners by the end of 2018. I invite you to read the full report HERE and it is important to mention that Jumia also released a detailed report about Kenya’s tourism industry that you can access HERE.
As you know, gorilla tracking and conservation remain the most important activities of Rwanda tourism. 23 baby gorillas born in 2017 are set to be named on September during the 14th edition of Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ceremony that will take place at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Parks. Rwanda Development board CTO Belise Kariza also explained many international stars will be taking part in the event and that amongst the celebrity namers, there will be a member of Arsenal FC first-team.
This morning #RDBRwanda launches #KwitaIzina2018, marking the 14th #conservation event since the initial launch by @RwandaGov in 2005#ConservationIsLife @Kwitaizina@VolcanoesPark pic.twitter.com/y98gGrIW95
— Rwanda Development (@RDBrwanda) July 11, 2018
The ATLF (Africa Tourism Leadership Forum) announced the first edition of the African tourism leadership awards, an event that seek to recognize leadership, changemakers, excellence and innovation in Africa’s tourism sector. The winners will be awarded the ATLF gala dinner in Accra, Ghana on the 31/08/2018. Categories include women in leadership, most innovative business tourism destination, outstanding Africa tourism media and outstanding entrepreneurship award to name a few. For more information about the event and nomination requirements, please visit the ATLF website HERE.
