WTD 2023: Why Africa needs to invest in sustainable, inclusive tourism
Imagine waking up one day unable to enjoy travel or experience the majesty of nature, no longer enjoy a walk on the beach, a hike up a mountain, take in that sunset view, or enjoy your favourite tourist experience While this is unimaginable, it’s not impossible, given the trajectory we are on. At the rate at which we are going as society, such a day is unimaginable, but not impossible. This is because we have come to know Tourism as an integral part of our lives, even when you are broke, you always dream of a holiday. But similarly, not making the right decisions today, will haunt us tomorrow and rob our kids of tourism. Tourism is woven into the fabric of our dreams and aspirations; it’s a cornerstone of our economic vitality. Yet, it’s a sector in peril, not just from the recent global health crisis but from a more long-term threat that will rob us and generations to come—climate change.
Today, we commemorate UNWTO’s World Tourism Day, dedicated to the crucial theme of ‘Tourism and Green Investments.’ This comes just days after witnessing heart-wrenching natural calamities like the floods in Cape Town, the most beautiful city in the world as recently named by The Telegraph and KwaZulu Natal. These events are more than just headlines; they are cautionary tales. Tourism in Africa predominantly capitalizes on our irreplaceable natural beauty, and any harm to it is a direct blow to our industry. As we focus on sustainable tourism recovery, this calls for all players in Tourism and hospitality to make sure the green investments are made today to secure the future of tourism.
Source: Voyages Afriq