Picture: Angola’s Minister of Tourism Daniel Marcio
UN Tourism, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Government of Angola are set to convene key decision-makers from across the tourism and air transport sectors for the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, scheduled for 22–24 July 2025 in Luanda, Angola.
In 2024, Africa recorded 74 million international arrivals an increase of 7% from 2019 and 12% from the previous year. These figures underscore the centrality of air connectivity in driving tourism growth across the continent. The conference will serve as a critical forum to explore how the two sectors can advance collectively through policy, innovation, and infrastructure.
Held under the theme “Fostering Synergies between Tourism and Air Transport for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, the Conference will be structured to promote strategic dialogue among ministers, policymakers, development institutions, and private sector stakeholders. The focus will be on actionable collaboration to address longstanding gaps and new opportunities.
The conference has been designed to address three central objectives which include:
- Identifying gaps in air connectivity and outlining realistic pathways to strengthen cross-border travel.
- Mobilizing investment into aviation and tourism infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
- Harmonizing regulatory frameworks to support seamless travel and elevate Africa’s competitiveness in both industries.
The programme will commence with an Expert Workshop on 22 July, designed to offer technical insights ahead of ministerial deliberations. Sessions planned for the Ministerial Conference include:
- Technology and Innovation in Future Travel: A close look at digital transformation, smart mobility, and modern infrastructure, including the role of smart airports and integrated route planning.
- Tourism as a Driver of Air Transport Growth: Examination of regulatory and logistical constraints and how tourism demand can be leveraged to improve intra-African air connectivity.
- Infrastructure Investment: A candid review of Africa’s investment landscape, including viable financing tools and opportunities for public-private collaboration.
- Regional Integration and Accessibility: Evaluation of frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and how they can be more effectively leveraged.
- Ministerial Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Growth: This concluding dialogue will chart out collective priorities and commitments, culminating in the Luanda Ministerial Statement.
The 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference arrives as Angola continues to expand its footprint in regional and global tourism dialogue. It also reflects a growing consensus that closer collaboration between tourism and aviation sectors is indispensable for inclusive development.
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