Angola’s visa-free policy set to boost tourism and economy

As pandemic-era travel restrictions have eased, Africa’s tourism sector has bounced back strongly. The UN World Tourism Organisation reported that by last year, the continent had recovered 96 percent of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers, with a full return to 2019 levels expected by 2024.

Angola, with its rich natural and cultural heritage, stands poised to capitalise on this tourism resurgence. By focusing on developing its tourism industry, Angola has the potential to drive growth across its wider economy.

Visa-free travel: a game changer for Angola

In a significant step forward, Angola has introduced visa-free entry for citizens of over 90 countries, including 35 European nations and the United States, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days. Previously, acquiring an Angolan visa was a lengthy and costly process, deterring many potential travellers. The new visa policy is set to open the floodgates for tourism, making Angola more accessible to international visitors.

With this streamlined travel process, Angola is well-positioned to offer a range of attractions to the discerning tourist. The country’s vibrant culture, infused with African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, is reflected in its music, dance, art, and cuisine. Visitors can experience Angola’s unique blend of cultural traditions, while also exploring its diverse landscapes.

From the arid beauty of the Namib Desert to the lush rainforests of Cabinda, Angola boasts a stunning array

of natural contrasts. Tourists can enjoy its year-round beaches along a 1,000-mile coastline, trek through mountainous regions, or marvel at Kalandula Falls, Africa’s second-largest waterfall. Angola’s conservation areas are home to an array of wildlife, including the giant sable antelope, a species found only in Angola, as well as elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses.

Unlocking Angola’s tourism potential

Recognising Angola’s untapped tourism potential, particularly in the southern region near Namibia, ABO Capital has invested in developing a family-friendly resort. Situated between the bush and the ocean, the resort will offer guests wildlife safaris, beach relaxation, and various sports and activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Travel experts emphasise that tourists are increasingly seeking immersive experiences. Angola’s diverse attractions, packed into a relatively small geographic area, make it an ideal destination for such experiences. With natural wonders and cultural richness close at hand, Angola is well-placed to meet this growing demand.

Tourism as a driver of economic growth

Tourism is already a vital contributor to Africa’s economy, supporting over 24 million jobs and accounting for 8.5 percent of the continent’s GDP. By further developing its tourism offerings, Angola can harness this sector to drive significant economic growth. Family-friendly attractions and resorts not only draw tourists but also create local employment opportunities, stimulate community development, and bolster related industries like hospitality and retail.

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2023 Economic Impact Report forecasts that Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector will generate nearly 14 million new jobs over the next decade. The sector’s GDP is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.8 percent between 2022 and 2032, more than double the growth rate of the continent’s overall economy.

Tourism’s benefits extend beyond the obvious industries, as growth in this sector is likely to stimulate job creation in agriculture, communications, health, and education. As employment and economic prospects improve, the socioeconomic wellbeing of communities across Africa will strengthen, with tourism revenue reinvested into local economies.

A virtuous circle of growth

Academic studies have shown that tourism and economic growth are mutually reinforcing. Tourism stimulates economic expansion, and this economic progress, in turn, fuels further tourism development. This virtuous cycle could not only attract a steady stream of visitors to Angola but also lead to a new era of prosperity for its citizens.

With the right investments and continued development of its tourism infrastructure, Angola stands on the brink of a tourism revolution. The future looks bright for both the visitors who will explore its many treasures and the Angolans who will welcome them.

This article was originally published by Africa Briefing