An Analysis of coffee stains militating sustainable tourism development in Africa

Abstract

This study examined a litany of adverse factors that are suffocating sound tourism development in Africa. The region is well endowed with a blend of pristine natural and artificial tourist attractions of global repute. Conversely, tourism traffic into the region is disappointingly very low. The study gleaned through literature narratives and annual tourism reports to account for the mismatch. The findings of the study revealed that awhilst the global community embraced tourism as a viable sector to diversify the economy, that tenacity is deficient among African countries. The level of visitation to Africa and tourism activity does not make positive reading. This is largely spawned by the unfavourable tourism environment characterised by political instability, negative market perception, poor access, and prevalence of contagious diseases all of which have depressed tourism activity in the region. It is therefore recommended that for Africa to realise her full potential she should promptly implement a universal visa regime, revise the pricing model for tourism products, enhance air access, as well as capacitating the national tourism bodies financially.

Keywords: Tourism in Africa, Sustainable Development, Negative factors, UNWTO.