In recognition of Africa’s tourism and travel industry’s role as an engine of progress for socioeconomic transformation, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has called for collaborative action from all stakeholders for the development of sustainable tourism in Africa.

The call links up with World Tourism Day, which was celebrated on September 27.

The AfDB notes that the United Nations’ World Tourism Day, with the theme: Sustainable Tourism − a Tool for Development, presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the contribution of sustainable tourism among public- and private-sector decision-makers and the international community.

In addition to its investments in tourism infrastructure – such as ports, airports, roads and rail – the AfDB is supporting the creative and cultural industries to diversify the economic base of African countries and attract tourism.

Through various initiatives, the AfDB has given tourism development a new focus. Through one such initiative – Fashionomics Africa – the AfDB is supporting the development of creative industries that use local products, especially cotton, in Africa.

Lagos Fashion and Design Week founder Omoyemi Akerele stresses how the fashion industry fuels sustainable tourism: “Fashion weeks (fashion industry events) generate considerable foot traffic for cities like Lagos, which hosts the annual Lagos Fashion and Design Week.” She adds, however, that there needs to be a deliberate attempt on the part of African governments to tap into the potential that fashion has to grow the tourism industry.

Another AfDB initiative – Food Cuisine Africa – connects key players and newcomers in the food industry.

Further, AfDB’s Visa Openness Index measures how accessible African countries are regarding visas by taking into account what the requirements are for citizens from other countries when they travel to Africa. Visa openness blends with the AfDB’s Integrate Africa agenda, which aims to make Africa more accessible, prosperous and interconnected.

After adopting a visa-on-arrival policy, Rwanda had a 22% yearly increase in the number of tourism arrivals for meetings, conferences and events. Many visitors, in turn, have become investors in the country.

AfDB principal policy expert Jean-Guy Afrika says that visa openness is not the solution to all problems but that structural aspects, such as the size of the market, infrastructure connectivity and buying power, are as important. “Visa openness is really a quick-win.”

The 2017 Africa Tourism Monitor – a yearly research publication by the AfDB in collaboration with interdisciplinary institute studying contemporary Africa New York University Africa House and the Africa Travel Association – highlights the importance of developing a sustainable and resilient tourism industry through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.