African Countries have had a decline of tourists by two percent in 2017 as indicated by the global tourist market indicators. According to the key players in the tourism sector, the decline was contributed by political imbalances, Terrorism, banditry, and low global economic growth.
Political turmoil chases tourists away from Africa
Most the of the countries in Africa acquired low-level tourism turnout as countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Somali, Gambia, and Zimbabwe were in political turmoil.
The majority of the countries who slightly benefited in the 2017 tourism sector included Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
The tourist appeal of Africa lies in the wide variety of points of interest, diversity, and multitudes of landscapes and wild animals.
Despite Diani beach named the first cleanest beach in Africa and voted the seventh best beach in Africa in 2017 by an American travel website, TripAdvisor, the tourist destination's bookings declined. This was compared to 2016 according to the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki.
Elections and accompanying unpredictable factors
Gambia and Burundi have political problems and they registered only one percent of tourists who visited in 2017 compared to 2016/2015. Kenya, on the other hand, recorded five percent of bookings compared to 2015/2016.
The majority of the bookings were canceled in Kenya due to the unpredictable and prolonged electioneering period towards the end of 2017.
Most tourists from Germany, UK, Spain, and Italy cancelled their bookings according to KATO.The domestic tourism has also declined in Africa due to increased unemployment status. Most youths in Africa are unemployed and the family budget is getting tighter every day due to increasing inflation and political instability.
Alternative business sectors
The Hotel and Tour businesses in most of the African cities have declined, forcing businessmen to change business modes and venture into alternative sources of income. Kenya has been a good tourism destination since the 1990s with distinct landscapes and Wild Animals. But the majority business owners now divert their strength into real estate business leaving the former lucrative business.
Airlines
Another struggling tourism business is in the transport sector. Kenya Airways, for instance, was rescued by the government treasury following huge losses made due to the decline in tourist destination value. This was because of constant political instability. Other struggling airlines include; Rwanda airline, Ethiopian and Djibouti airlines.
