By Milcah Tanimu

During the PYNE-NESG Africa conference, experts in Africa’s tourism, hospitality, and travel industries called on Afri

favorable policies that would facilitate seamless travel within the continent. They highlighted the challenges Africans face when traveling within Africa and urged leaders to address these issues to optimize the development of the tourism industry.

Some of the challenges mentioned include insecurity, expensive air and bus fares, inadequate tourism budgets, insufficient tourism education, unsuitable policies, and governance issues. To address these challenges, the experts proposed changes in tourism policies and their implementation to enhance the movement of people.

Alex Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for favorable policies that promote the free movement of individuals within the continent, not just goods. He encouraged Africans to travel within the region to support the African economy and unlock the tourism potential of the continent.

Julie Scott, President of SKAL International Council, urged African leaders to consider opening up air travel within the region, eliminating the need for visas for intra-Africa travel. She stressed the importance of trust among African nations for progress.

Malawi’s Tourism Minister, Vera Kamtukule, emphasized the removal of barriers to seamless intra-Africa travel. She called for the alignment of customs and immigration procedures with new policies and the harmonization of tourism infrastructure across the continent to promote sustainability.

Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, founder and convener of PYNE Africa Tourism Convention, highlighted the need for policy recommendations to improve travel within Africa. The recommendations generated during the conference will be forwarded to African leaders for action.

Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead for the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group, NESG, emphasized the goal of achieving a profitable and sustainable tourism industry in Africa through collaboration between countries and synergy among tourism, culture, sports, and creative industries.

Overall, the conference aimed to address the challenges hindering intra-Africa travel and promote the growth of the tourism industry across the continent.