Luanda Conference to Chart Africa’s Aviation-Tourism Future
Luanda, Angola is set to host a pivotal conference shaping the future of African travel. The 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, taking place from July 22nd to 24th, 2025, will bring together key players to address the synergistic growth of these vital sectors.
Africa’s travel industry is experiencing a resurgence, with 74 million international arrivals in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This positive trend underscores the crucial role of air connectivity in driving tourism growth. The Luanda conference will provide a platform to explore how aviation and tourism can collaborate more effectively to unlock Africa’s vast potential.
Under the theme “Fostering Synergies between Tourism and Air Transport for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” the conference will facilitate strategic dialogue among government officials, policymakers, development institutions, and private sector stakeholders. The focus will be on actionable collaboration to address existing challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The conference aims to achieve three core objectives: identifying and bridging gaps in air connectivity to enhance cross-border travel, mobilizing investment in aviation and tourism infrastructure, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks to promote seamless travel and boost Africa’s competitiveness.
The conference program will kick off with an Expert Workshop on July 22nd, providing technical insights to inform subsequent ministerial discussions. The Ministerial Conference will feature sessions on key topics such as technology and innovation in travel, tourism’s role in driving air transport growth, infrastructure investment, regional integration, and sustainable development.
A key session will focus on “Technology and Innovation in Future Travel,” exploring the impact of digital transformation, smart mobility, and modern infrastructure, including the role of smart airports and integrated route planning. Another session, “Tourism as a Driver of Air Transport Growth,” will examine regulatory and logistical hurdles and how tourism demand can be leveraged to improve intra-African air connectivity.
The “Infrastructure Investment” session will provide a candid assessment of Africa’s investment landscape, exploring viable financing mechanisms and opportunities for public-private partnerships. “Regional Integration and Accessibility” will evaluate frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and their potential to facilitate seamless travel.
A high-level Ministerial Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Growth will conclude the conference, charting collective priorities and commitments, culminating in the Luanda Ministerial Statement. This statement will serve as a roadmap for future collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors.
The conference comes at a time when Angola is actively strengthening its role in regional and global tourism dialogue. It also reflects a growing consensus that closer collaboration between tourism and aviation is essential for inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
The first UN Tourism-ICAO Ministerial Conference, held in Santa Maria, Sal Island, laid the groundwork for integrated development of tourism and air transport in Africa. The Santa Maria Declaration and Action Plan, adopted at the conference, established a unified framework for policy alignment and regional cooperation. The Luanda conference will build upon these foundations, focusing on practical implementation and actionable outcomes.
African travel professionals can expect valuable insights and networking opportunities from the Luanda conference. The event will provide a platform to engage with key decision-makers, share best practices, and explore new partnerships. The outcomes of the conference are expected to shape the future of African travel, creating new opportunities for growth and development.
The conference’s emphasis on regional integration and harmonized regulatory frameworks is particularly relevant for African travel agents. Streamlined visa processes, improved air connectivity, and standardized regulations can significantly enhance the ease of travel within Africa, boosting both business and leisure tourism. The conference will address these critical issues, paving the way for a more seamless and integrated African travel market.
The outcomes of the Luanda conference will have far-reaching implications for Africa’s travel industry. By fostering closer collaboration between aviation and tourism, the conference aims to unlock the continent’s vast potential, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development. African travel professionals have a key role to play in translating these outcomes into tangible benefits for their businesses and the wider travel ecosystem.
