The UN Tourism, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the Government of Angola, are set to welcome delegates to the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa.
The conference, which is taking place in Luanda, Angola, from July 22 to 24, 2025 rides on the sad backdrop that Africa holds immense potential for tourism and air transport growth, yet significant opportunities remain untapped.
In 2024, the continent saw a record surge in international arrivals at 74 million, translating into 7% more arrivals compared to 2019 and 12% more than in 2023, underscoring the vital role of air transport in tourism expansion. Given their interdependence, the high-level conference in Angola will focus on fostering stronger synergies between the two sectors to drive economic growth and sustainable development. The programme will also feature an expert workshop on Tourism and Air Transport on July 22, leading up to the Ministerial Conference on the second day.
Speaking on the objectives of the conference, UN Tourism noted that it aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The conference also aims to identify challenges and opportunities to enhance air connectivity and seamless travel across Africa; strengthen dialogue between tourism and air transport stakeholders to address key business imperatives and encourage political commitment to integrating tourism and air transport priorities into national and regional agendas.
Offering details on the programmes of the conference, UN Tourism noted that the day 1, will feature opening ceremony, expert workshop/preparatory session, among others.
The first session on ‘Leveraging Technology and Innovation to Shape the Future of Tourism and Air Transport’ will explore how emerging technologies and digital innovations are transforming Africa’s tourism and air transport sectors. As well, focus will be on smart mobility, digital tourism platforms, and advanced connectivity solutions such as “smart airports” and route planning tools.
In the same vein, the session 2 tagged ‘Advancing Air Transport through Tourism in Africa’ will examine how tourism can address the pressing connectivity challenges in Africa, particularly in the air transport sector.
The panelists will discuss existing challenges and factors that have positively impacted connectivity, as well as those that could enhance it in future. They will also address regulatory barriers, and the need for stronger policy integration between tourism and air transport.
Then, session 3 on ‘Building the Case for Investment in Tourism and Air Transport Infrastructure’ will examine the current investment landscape in these sectors, exploring the challenges faced by investors and the promising opportunities ahead. Again, the panelists will discuss financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and key investment areas such as airport development, digital infrastructure, mobility solutions, and tourism as a thriving business sector.
The last session of the day on ‘Strengthening Regional Integration and Accessibility in Tourism and Air Transport’ will focus on the practical strategies and collaborative solutions needed to drive the growth of Africa’s tourism and air transport sectors. The panelists will discuss how regional corporations such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), along with policy innovations, can create seamless travel and improve operational efficiency.
The experts will examine how regional initiatives can be harmonized to promote the free movement of people and goods, tourism, and trade. The session will also emphasize actionable steps to unlock growth and foster long-term sustainability in both sectors.
Additionally, the session will address the need for accessible air transport and tourism infrastructures for people with limited mobility, ensuring that the benefits of growth are inclusive and widely distributed.
Elcia Grandcourt, Director for Africa, UN Tourism and Peter Alawani, ICAO Chief, Economic Regulatory Framework Section, Air Transport Bureau, ICAO, will wrap-up the sessions, amid presentation of the key findings/takeaways of the expert workshop.
The second day will witness the Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa at Hotel InterContinental Luanda Miramar.
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It will feature three sessions and high-level interactive panel discussion on ‘Tourism as a Catalyst: Aligning Air Transport and Policy for seamless travel in Africa’.
Building on the outcomes of the preparatory session, the high-level session will explore how tourism can drive air connectivity and regional economic growth in Africa.
Key initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be highlighted as drivers for both sectors. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for strengthening synergies between tourism and air transport to unlock new growth opportunities.
The second session will focus on harnessing innovation and technology to shape the future of tourism and air transport, while the last session on ‘Advancing Mobility and Accessibility in Tourism and Air Transport’, will explore the future of mobility and the importance of ensuring that air transport and tourism are accessible to all, including people with limited mobility.
The delegates would be hosted to a gala dinner at EPIC SANA Hotel, while the sessions continue on the third day.
The conference will close with commitment to actions, which is tagged “The Luanda Ministerial Statement”, while its social programme for all delegates, offers leisure options to visit Palácio de Ferro/ Paseo de Barcos or to a golf course.
