Tourism Development in Sub-Sahara Africa and Impact on Regional Airline Business Models

Tourism in Africa has experienced not only strong growth in terms of arrivals, but also in terms of expenditures and revenues and this has been driven primarily by a high number of international arrivals. The chapter examines some of Africa’s high growth tourism markets with the largest international tourism receipts and compounded growth of approximately 6% per year. The chapter examines the multiple types of tourism and its economic benefit in terms of supporting national gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Tourism should be developed for its potential to enhance economies. Important aspects amongst tourism’s benefits are that; it boosts economic regeneration; it offers a future, meaning that it holds out a promise for growth; it is one of the fastest growing economic activities; and it is a key driver towards economic growth. The tourism industry can provide considerable benefits to host communities through economic development, infrastructures development and as a medium for protecting the environment and culture. The chapter concludes by examining the future growth of the aviation industry, discusses international regulations and how this will affect tourism within the African region. The impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector is revisited and discusses the overall impact on the travel and tourism industry. Finally, analysis on climate and environment is discussed and the International Civil Aviation Organization provides recommendations for the air transport industry to combat climate change and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.