Stakeholders in Africa’s tourism sector have called for urgent policy reforms on visas and border barriers, improved air connectivity, and stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate the continent’s tourism growth.

These resolutions emerged from the Inaugural African Travel Commission [ATC] Summit and Exhibition, held in Lagos, Nigeria, from February 11–12, 2026, under the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Tourism Growth Through Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Investments.”

Held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, the summit marked the first major continental engagement of the revived African Travel Commission since its registration as a non-profit organisation in Ghana in 2021. The ATC was originally founded in 1965 by Chief Executive Officers of National Tourism Organisations [NTOs] across Africa to provide a unified voice for the continent in global tourism.

Participants recalled the historic role of the ATC in the establishment of the World Tourism Organisation, now known as UN Tourism, and in the initiation of the annual World Tourism Day, celebrated on 27 September.

Delegates noted that despite Africa’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and creative industries, tourism remains underutilised across much of the continent.

According to summit discussions, global tourism reached record levels in 2025, with Africa contributing approximately USD 225 billion to GDP and supporting nearly 30 million jobs. However, West Africa’s tourism contribution to GDP remains relatively low compared to other African regions, underscoring the need for deliberate policy and structural reforms.

Key challenges identified include limited air connectivity, restrictive visa regimes, weak regional integration, and insufficient collaboration between governments and the private sector.

The summit featured six papers delivered by eminent speakers, as well as four panel sessions comprising distinguished leaders from academia and the industry. Discussions focused on innovation, partnerships, sustainable investments, and the role of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration.

Participants also agreed on the need for the African Travel Commission to lead continental research and establish a comprehensive tourism statistics database, as well as drive training and capacity-building programmes for stakeholders across the sector.

At the end of the two-day summit, participants adopted several major resolutions. African governments, regional economic communities, and the African Union were urged to review and harmonise visa policies, reduce or eliminate visa fees for African travellers, and promote freer movement of people across the continent. Rwanda, Kenya, and Ghana were commended for removing visa restrictions for African citizens.

The summit also strongly recommended the establishment of a Nigerian national carrier to serve as a strategic hub airline for West Africa, alongside increased investment in aviation infrastructure and the expansion of intra-African air routes.

Governments and the private sector were encouraged to work together in shaping tourism policies, promoting joint investments, and supporting innovation, skills development, and digital transformation in the sector. The African Travel Commission was mandated to lead continental research on tourism trends, advocate for harmonised tourism policies, and develop shared marketing platforms to promote Africa as a single global destination.

Participants further reaffirmed that tourism must be positioned as a strategic tool for economic integration, with regional blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] urged to mainstream tourism into development frameworks.

It was also resolved that Nigeria will host the 2027 edition of the Summit and Exhibition, with the African Travel Commission expected to announce the dates in due course.

In its closing statement, the summit reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the African Travel Commission as the leading continental platform for tourism research, marketing, and advocacy.

Participants called on African governments, development partners, airlines, investors, and tourism stakeholders to support the implementation of the resolutions in the collective interest of Africa’s sustainable tourism development.

Contact:

Lucky Onoriode George, Ph.D.  

Executive Director African Travel Commission [ATC]

Email: executive.director@africantravelcommission.org

Tel: +234-8033546608 [Nigeria] | +233-546526740 [Ghana]

Website: www.africantravelcommission.org