Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, is preparing to hold the Second National Tourism and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa scheduled for July 22-24, 2025.
High-level gatherings bring together ministers, policymakers, development agencies and private sector leaders to explore ways in which aviation and tourism collectively promote inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
Conferences hosted by the United Nations Tourism, ICAO and the Angola government come when Africa's tourism industry shows significant signs of recovery and resilience.
In 2024, the continent recorded the arrival of 74 million international tourists. This is an increase of 7% from 2019 and a 12% year-on-year increase. These figures highlight the important role of air connections in maintaining and accelerating tourism growth.
Hosted under the theme of “Facing the synergy of tourism and air transport for inclusive and sustainable growth,” the event is designed to catalyze practical collaboration and strategic dialogue. The meeting addresses long-standing barriers and unlocks new opportunities in both sectors.
The programme begins on July 22nd with a dedicated expert workshop and provides the technical foundation for ministerial sessions to follow. The main focus areas of the meeting 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 the growth of air transport – how to analyze regulatory and operational hurdles restricting air travel within Africa and how tourism demands shape more efficient aviation routes.
Infrastructure Investment – Review the investment environment in Africa and presents viable financing tools and opportunities for public-private partnerships.
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 session where ministers outline collective priorities and adopt the Luanda Ministerial Statement.
Hon, Angola's Minister of Tourism. Marcio Daniel expressed his strong expectations for the event.
“We are excited to hold this second Ministerial Meeting. It is the first UN tourism event held by Angola and preparations are on track. The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Transport and other key partners to welcome ministers and experts from Africa and beyond.”
He also outlined Angola's broader ambitions to become a regional tourism and aviation hub.
“This conference represents a key moment of transformation. There is a great potential to emerge as a terrifying player in Africa's tourism, and initiatives like this will help shape our connection and competitive future.”
Hon. Daniel emphasized that air connections are fundamental to realizing the continent's tourism ambitions.
“Without air connections, tourism cannot thrive. We must connect our people, our economy, and our nation with tools we already have at our disposal.”
Among the anticipated priorities of debate are relaxing visa restrictions across Africa. Daniel believes he's been behind for a long time.
“We aim to accelerate visa-free travel momentum, as seen in countries like Benin, Ghana, Rwanda and more. Internal travel bureaucrats must be demolished for tourism to truly thrive. People's free movement is essential.”
As Angola is strategically located and is increasingly active in regional and global tourism discourse, the Second United Nations Tourism and the ICAO Ministerial Conference is an important milestone for the country.
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