Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, is preparing to host the 2nd UN Tourism and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, scheduled for 22–24 July 2025.
The high-level gathering will bring together ministers, policymakers, development institutions, and private sector leaders to explore how aviation and tourism can collectively drive inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
Organised by UN Tourism, ICAO and the Government of Angola, the conference comes at a time when Africa’s tourism industry is showing remarkable signs of recovery and resilience.
In 2024, the continent recorded 74 million international tourist arrivals—marking a 7% increase from 2019 and a 12% rise over the previous year. These numbers highlight the vital role of air connectivity in sustaining and accelerating tourism growth.
Held under the theme “Fostering Synergies between Tourism and Air Transport for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, the event is designed to catalyse actionable collaboration and strategic dialogue. The conference will address long-standing barriers and unlock new opportunities across both sectors.
The programme opens with a dedicated Expert Workshop on 22 July, offering a technical foundation for the ministerial sessions to follow. Key focus areas of the conference include:
Technology and Innovation in Future Travel – Exploring digital transformation, smart mobility, and modern infrastructure, including smart airports and integrated route planning.
Tourism as a Driver of Air Transport Growth – Analysing the regulatory and operational hurdles that limit intra-African air travel, and how tourism demand can shape more efficient aviation routes.
Infrastructure Investment – Reviewing Africa’s investment landscape and presenting viable financing tools and public-private partnership opportunities.
Regional Integration and Accessibility – Examining the implementation of frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Ministerial Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Growth – A culminating session where ministers will outline collective priorities and adopt the Luanda Ministerial Statement.
Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Márcio Daniel, expressed strong anticipation for the event.
“We are excited to host this second Ministerial Conference. It will be the first UN Tourism event Angola is hosting, and preparations are well underway. The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Transport and other key partners to welcome ministers and experts from across Africa and beyond.”
He also outlined Angola’s broader ambition to become a regional tourism and aviation hub.
“This conference represents a vital moment of transformation. We have enormous potential to emerge as a formidable player in African tourism, and initiatives like this are instrumental in shaping the future of our connectivity and competitiveness.”
Hon. Daniel emphasised that air connectivity is fundamental to realising the continent’s tourism ambitions.
“Without air connectivity, tourism cannot flourish. We must connect our people, our economies and our countries using the tools we already have at our disposal.”
Among the expected priorities for discussion is the easing of visa restrictions across Africa—a move Hon. Daniel believes is long overdue.
“We are aiming to accelerate momentum around visa-free travel, as seen in countries like Benin, Ghana and Rwanda. For tourism to truly thrive, we must dismantle internal travel bureaucracies. The free movement of people is essential.”
With Angola strategically located and increasingly active in regional and global tourism discourse, the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference marks a key milestone for the country—and for Africa’s broader ambitions to integrate tourism and aviation for economic transformation.
