Skift Megatrends 2026 spotlights Africa’s tourism growth
Skift released an Africa-themed edition of its annual Megatrends report in Cape Town, highlighting a critical growth phase for the continent’s tourism industry driven by a rising middle class, increasing inbound arrivals and record hotel development. Presented with the Millat Group at an event on Table Mountain, the report identifies Africa as a next frontier for high-value, experience-led travel and says the next phase of global growth will favour destinations that are investable, well connected and narrative-led.
Key themes include expanding luxury demand, the rise of music residencies and live events, and the growing role of urban and cultural tourism in extending stays and broadening economic impact. The report also underscores how AI and large language models are reshaping destination visibility, making verified storytelling and digital discoverability more influential in traveller and investor decisions. Industry leaders, including Millat Group CEO Hamza Farooqui and Skift founder Rafat Ali, emphasised the need for air access, quality operators, infrastructure, policy certainty and coordinated public and private investment to convert demand into resilient, long-term growth.
Source: Bizcommunity