Ebola Cannot Stunt Tourism Growth in Africa'

Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Sally Mbanefo

•   WTM portfolio worth £4bn

Omolola Itayemi in London

Despite the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in some parts of Africa, experts  at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2011 have  expressed hope in the future of tourism and travel business on the continent, saying Ebola will not affect the growth of travel and tourism.

The Head, Travel and Tourism Research, Euromonitor International, Caroline Bremner, who spoke on Monday at this year's  WTM  holding in Excel Centre, London, said despite the numerous challenges, the continent had recorded a three per cent increase in the influx of tourists into Africa.

According to her, the percentage growth is not a very bad development.

She said: "At the moment, there is a three per cent growth in the influx of tourists into Africa. This is not very bad considering the outbreak of Ebola and conflicts in the continent. However, Ebola is an isolated health challenge in West African region.

"There are always diseases but travellers will always adjust. Ebola has so far a minimal impact on travels and tours in Africa," said Travel and Tourism Futurologist, Ian Yeoman.

Bremner noted that for Africa to further boost its tourism industry,  governments on the continent need to work towards promoting health and safety measures; and the messages have to be very positive.

She added that African governments must also engage potential visitors on different media platforms, including social media while ensuring that they provide warm welcome when they come.

She, however, identified transportation as a critical element in building capacity and encouraging influx of tourists to destinations.

She regretted that the aviation industry in Africa was faced by competitive restrictions.

"There are good aviation operators in Africa but there seems to be restrictions that serve as impediments. Governments  in Africa should encourage competition in the aviation business."

In his remark, Senior Exhibition Director, WTM, Simon Press, stated that this year's outing would facilitate deals worth about £2.5 billion in travel industry contracts between exhibitors and buyers from WTM buyers' club. This figure is against the sum of £2 billion recorded last year.

He also informed that the WTM Portfolio, which comprises Arabian Travel Market, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa was the catalyst for deals worth almost £4 billion.

"Despite this clear desire to conduct business, the industry faces many huddles, but I am pleased to see that report finds the high level of industry optimism for 2015," Press added.

Nigeria is represented at the event by the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Sally Mbanefo, who in her maiden speech, revealed the need for active private sector participation in tourism in accordance with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

"This is a great day for us as we are celebrating Nigeria, its culture, tradition and people. Today is a major landmark for collaboration with government and private sector. We have over 20 participants here, and they are just the few that made it here. Tourism is a private sector activity, it is not a government initiative and tourism must work in Nigeria through the private sector," she said.

At the Nigerian stand, members of the private sector such as Arik Air, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Eko Hotel and Suites, African Destinations,  Treaven Limited Travels and Tours, Tour Brokers International (TBI), West Africa Tourism as well as Keystone Bank.

Others are Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Source: ThisDay