Africa is a continent rich in natural and cultural diversity, with many attractions for tourists from all over the world. However, one of the major barriers to tourism in Africa is the high cost of air travel within the continent. How does this affect the tourism industry in Africa and what can be done to reduce the cost of air travel in Africa?
There has been recent improvement in the African airline traffic and the influx of tourists into Africa, but there’s still a lot of work to be done in the intra-Africa travel department.
Keep reading as we unwrap why the cost of air travel is holding back intra-African tourism.
High Costs of Air Travel in Africa
According to the World Bank, air travel in Africa is on average 45% more expensive than in other regions. This is due to several factors, such as:
- High taxes and fees imposed by governments and airports on airlines and passengers
- Lack of competition and regulation in the aviation market, leading to high fares and low quality of service
- Inadequate infrastructure and security, resulting in delays, cancellations, and safety risks
- Limited connectivity and integration among African countries, requiring multiple stops and transfers
- Low demand and occupancy rates, make it difficult for airlines to achieve economies of scale and lower costs
These factors make air travel in Africa costly and inconvenient for domestic tourists especially, those who often have to pay more than twice as much as travellers in other regions for less distance.
For example, a flight from Lagos to Accra costs an average of $350 for a round trip while New York to London costs an average of $900. For context, Lagos to Accra is an average of 1 hour while New York to London is about 15 hours.
While this may not discourage potential tourists from visiting Africa due to the exchange rate advantage. It plays a big part in why most natives of these countries find it difficult to travel by air.
The Impact of High Airfares on African Tourism
The high cost of air travel in Africa has a negative impact on the tourism industry, which is one of the main drivers of economic growth and development in the continent. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism contributed 8.5% of Africa’s GDP and supported 24.3 million jobs in 2019. However, these numbers could be much higher if air travel was more affordable and accessible for tourists.
The high cost of air travel in Africa reduces the number of tourists who visit the continent, as well as the length and frequency of their stays. This reduces the revenue and profits of tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and travel agencies.
It also reduces the tax revenue and foreign exchange earnings of governments, which could be used to invest in infrastructure, education, health, and other sectors.
Furthermore, it limits the opportunities for cultural exchange, social interaction, and mutual understanding between tourists and locals, which are some of the intangible benefits of tourism.
How to Reduce the Cost of Air Travel in Africa
There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the cost of air travel in Africa and boost the tourism potential of the continent. Some of these measures are:
- Implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which is an initiative by the African Union to create a single and liberalized market for air transport in Africa, allowing airlines to operate freely across the continent without restrictions. This would increase competition, efficiency, and connectivity, and lower fares and fees for passengers and airlines.
- Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is an agreement by the African Union to create a single market for goods and services, as well as a customs union and a common currency, among the 54 African countries. This would facilitate trade, investment, and movement of people across the continent, and create more demand and opportunities for tourism.
- Implementing the African Union Passport, which is a common passport for all African citizens, allowing them to travel visa-free within the continent. This would reduce the hassle and cost of obtaining visas, and encourage more intra-Africa tourism.
- Improving the infrastructure and security of airports and air navigation systems, which would reduce delays, cancellations, and safety risks, and enhance the quality and reliability of service. This would require more investment and cooperation from governments, donors, and private sector partners.
- Promoting the development and growth of low-cost carriers and budget airlines, which would offer cheaper and more flexible options for travellers, especially for short-haul and domestic flights. This would require more innovation and regulation from the aviation industry, as well as more awareness and acceptance from consumers.
- Encouraging the participation and collaboration of travel and tourism agencies, such as Afari Travels and Tours, which offer customized and affordable packages for tourists, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and activities. These agencies can help tourists find the best deals and destinations, as well as provide them with information, guidance, and support during their trips.
The Role of Travel and Tourism Agencies in Africa Tourism
Travel and tourism agencies, such as Afari Travels and Tours, play an important role in promoting and facilitating tourism in Africa. These agencies offer customized and affordable travel packages for tourists, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and activities.
They also provide information, guidance, and support to tourists during their trips, such as visa assistance, currency exchange, local guides, emergency contacts, and cultural tips.
Tourism agencies can help African tourists find the best deals and destinations in Africa and beyond, according to their preferences, budget, and schedules. They can also help tourists discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track places that are not easily accessible or well-known by the mainstream media.
They help tourists experience the authentic and diverse culture, history, and nature of Africa, by connecting them with local communities, organizations, and attractions.
Travel agencies like Afari Travels can also contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in Africa. They ensure that their operations and services are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and culturally respectful.
Also, they support the local economy and society, by creating jobs, generating income, and empowering local people. They can also raise awareness and educate tourists about the challenges and opportunities of tourism in Africa, and encourage them to be more responsible and respectful travellers.
Conclusion
Air travel in Africa is costly and holds back the tourism industry, which is vital for the economic and social development of the continent. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of air travel in Africa and unlock the tourism potential of the continent, such as creating a single and liberalized market for air transport, a single market for goods and services, a common passport for African citizens, improving the infrastructure and security of airports, supporting low-cost carriers and budget airlines, and working with travel and tourism agencies.
These measures would benefit not only tourists, but also airlines, governments, businesses, and communities in Africa.
