The African Tourism Board (ATB) and the South African High Commission in Abuja have held talks aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and boosting collaboration across the continent.
The meeting, which took place at South Africa’s High Commission, involved ATB officials and representatives of the South African government.
Discussions centred on expanding bilateral ties and aligning strategies ahead of upcoming global tourism events.
Officials said the engagement forms part of preparations for the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026 scheduled to hold in Cape Town from April 13 to 15, where stakeholders are expected to explore investment opportunities and partnerships within the sector.
The ATB delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to position Africa as a more connected tourism destination through improved travel frameworks, digital integration and support for local tourism enterprises.
As part of its outlook for 2026, the Board is targeting increased intra-African travel, with plans to drive growth through joint marketing initiatives, stronger regional partnerships and policy measures to ease movement across countries.
The meeting comes amid signs of recovery in Africa’s tourism sector.
The continent recorded about 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, representing an 8 per cent increase and making it one of the fastest-growing tourism regions globally.
Tourism also remains a major contributor to service exports across Africa.
South African officials, in their remarks, reiterated support for deeper regional cooperation in tourism and highlighted the country’s performance in the sector. South Africa recorded over 10 million international visitors in 2025, with tourism contributing significantly to employment and the economy.
Both sides also discussed participation in upcoming industry events, including WTM Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba and the Africa Live Events Conference, which are expected to attract investors and industry stakeholders.
The Abuja meeting underscores ongoing efforts by African countries to leverage tourism for economic growth, regional integration and development.
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