Infrastructure improvements are 'key to tourism industry'

29 May 2012

In order to boost the African tourism industry, countries across the continent need to continue to invest in their infrastructure and improve their human resource.

That is according to Taleb Rifai, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General, who explained that Africa's infrastructure needs to improve at an accelerated rate.

It is imperative, he said, that tourists can rely on a well-run transport infrastructure in order to find their way around the continent, The Times of Zambia reports.

Mr Rifai said: "It is clear and obvious that Africa has to work on infrastructure, human resource training and improve airport connectivity.

"The tourism industry in Africa has been a rising star over the last five to seven years but there is still space for growth."

Furthermore, Mr Rifai explained that unlike most other regions, Africa has been relatively unaffected by the global economic downturn.

But unless the continent improves its infrastructure, Africa will not be able to take advantage of its potential as a tourism destination.

Category: General