africa | regions Sustainable tourism projects played a significant role


in the value of Rwanda’s tourism economy, growing by 10.9 percent in 2019. Community projects on the periphery of Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park provide visitors with insights into local crafts and conservation methods, engaging travelers to stay in the country after participating in treks to view mountain gorillas. That in-demand experience is also offered in neighboring Uganda, where permits cost less than half of Rwanda’s $1,500 per person. Safaris and wildlife experiences often help to foster


greater awareness of conservation issues and there are plenty of positive conservation stories in Africa that may encourage the return of environmentally conscious travelers. Kenya is a popular destination for group tours with scheduled departure dates. Luxury lodges and boat trips offering wildlife viewing are increasingly a reason to visit Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, where the town of Victoria Falls has evolved into a destination to view Africa’s biggest waterfall. Zimbabwe shares the falls with neighboring Zambia, in whose Bangweulu Wetlands cheetahs were reintroduced in 2020. There has been a marked increase in both multi-


The beach and Twelve Apostles mountains in Camps Bay near Cape Town, South Africa


to 2019 levels. Whether the financially troubled South African Airways flies again remains to be seen. Accounting for 74,000 jobs, South Africa’s MICE


sector has been heavily impacted by 2020’s enforced pause in business travel. Business travel had been partly responsible for a boost to the travel industry of Nigeria, among other countries on the continent. Research by the German Travel Association shows that 48 percent of millennial travelers often extend business trips for leisure purposes. Combining elements of business and leisure, the growing ‘bleisure’ market represents travel agents with opportunities to sell adventure and relaxation to people willing to invest in experiences to remember. Niche astrophotography tours of Namibia, luxury beach resorts in Mauritius and whale-watching tours off the continent’s south coast count among reasons to remain in Africa after business is concluded. A possible alternative to traditional winter sunshine


destinations, Tunisia was Africa’s fastest-growing tourism economy prior to the pandemic, expanding 12.9 percent in 2019. The country has several outstanding Roman ruins, including the vast amphitheater at El Djem, plus the cities of Bulla Regia and Carthage. Roman mosaics count among the principal draws of the Bardo National Museum in Tunis. Compared to their European counterparts, the historic sites attract fewer tourists and yet are just as — if not more — astonishing. The region’s long-established tradition of hammam bathing is reflected in some outstanding spa hotels and wellness facilities, including upscale thalassotherapy treatments.


generational travel and friends traveling together as small groups on customized trips. This noticeable trend will continue for the foreseeable future, especially now given the preference to travel in a safe bubble or pod, predicts Diane Ebzery Lobel, founder of African Portfolio, based in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. “This is boosting demand for exclusive-use


accommodation at safari camps and lodges. Multiple bedrooms allow groups to spend time within one unit while drawing on dedicated guides and vehicles, and sometimes dedicated chefs,” says Lobel. “Over the next 12 to 24 months, I think people


will focus on single destination travel for a more in-depth, immersive experience. Whereas once it was ‘how many stamps can we get in the passport?’ now the idea is to target one country, spending more time in several wilderness areas,” Lobel adds. This means opportunities for longer bookings at lodges, something likely to add to guests’ experiences of a region. South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania have proved popular for such experiences. At least for the short-term, the need for Covid-19


testing and certification makes moving between countries more difficult. However, most camps and lodges have comprehensive protocols, and some offer on-site tests. They are outdoors and remote, factors likely to reassure. “We’ve already seen a trickle of new requests for travel


in 2021, where we are adding multi-night accommodation in arrival or departure cities,” says Lobel. This facilitates testing or introduces contingency against delays. Overnight stays in the likes of Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa, result in demand for city itineraries. At least at the luxury end of the market, Africa’s unique


travel experiences seem likely to rebound quickly from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 


Worldwide Destination Guide 2021/22 | ASTA | 45


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