아프리카ㆍ중동

Executive summary

The objective of this Study is to highlight the opportunity of adding value to water resources, and to assist Regional Member Countries in the better management of water in tourism.

Chapter 1 sets the context in which the African Natural Resources Center is undertaking this study. The African Development Bank Group’s strategic focus is on growing a green economy and fostering inclusive growth. Tourism and water are both important aspects of the green economy and benefits from these sectors need to be expanded and made more inclusive. The study’s objective is to highlight the opportunity of adding value to water resources, and to assist Regional Member Countries in the better management of water in tourism.

Chapter 2 examines the potential of water-based tourism across Africa. Tourism has been identified as a powerful development path for the continent. In many African countries global and regional hotel chains are showing strong interest in expansion, both to capture international demand and to service the continent’s growing middle class. As African disposable incomes increase, domestic travel for leisure purposes will rise. The continent is predicted to be the world’s fastest growing tourism market over the next ten years. Already more than 10 million people are traveling across international borders every year within Africa for tourism purposes: primarily for business, visiting friends and relatives, and leisure purposes. Major African economies are growing and in turn driving tourism growth. Job creation potential is extensive and at present employment in tourism accounts for 8.1% of total employment. Despite this tourism is not always high on African governments’ agendas: Its job and wealth creation potential is not always recognised. There is a substantial market for water-based tourism which can be built upon with investment in access, product and facilities, and diversified in terms of location.

 

�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������