West African countries top visa openness index report in Africa

West African nations have continued to lead the rankings among seven of Africa’s top 10 performers in the area of ease in cross-border travel, boosting trade, investment and regional integration, according to data from the recently-released Africa Visa\Openness Index (AVOI) 2023 report.

The visa openness achieved its highest score ever in 2023, surpassing levels last seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The AVOI measures the extent to which African countries are open to visitors from other African countries.

According to the AVOI 2023, published, Tuesday, the continent has also made much progress since the seventh edition of the report was published in December 2022, as it stated that Africa is making strides in its visa openness policies boding well for cross border travel, ease of movement and trade in 2024 and beyond.

The report further stressed that nations within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, including Nigeria, scored highest on the regional score and is where African citizens enjoy the highest levels of freedom to move across borders.

The report also measured average visa openness within the AU-recognised Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and finds that average visa openness has improved in 6 of the 8 RECs over the past year. RECs continue to be important drivers of visa openness through regional initiatives aimed at dismantling barriers to the movement of people.

“ECOWAS has taken a progressive stance on visa openness for decades, formalizing it in 1979 with a protocol on the free movement of persons, residence and establishment.

“In addition to boasting the highest average regional AVOI score on the continent, ECOWAS also records the highest visa-free reciprocity rate: this is the rate at which the visa-free policies of individual countries within the REC are reciprocated by its member states. In 97 per cent of travel scenarios, citizens can enter another country within the same REC without the need for a visa,” the AVOI report read.

This is also as the East African nation of Kenya announced plans to remove visa requirements for African travelers by the end of 2023.

”Over the period 2020-21, massive border closures to curb the spread of COVID-19, affected land and air travel, with additional restrictions due to screening measures, bans on gatherings, quarantines and such, causing stagnation in 2022.

“In 2023, data from the report shows that 50 countries improved or maintained their 2022 score, with only 4 countries scoring lower. Since the first report was published in 2016, 36 countries have improved their score on the index. Forty-two (42) countries extend visa-free entry to citizens from at least 5 other African countries, while 33 countries do so to citizens of at least 10 countries. Four countries – up from three last year, have eliminated all visa requirements for African travelers. They are Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles.

“All key overall matrices have shown improvements in 2023. In 28 per cent of all intra-Africa travel scenarios, African citizens do not require a visa (an improvement from 27 per cent in 2022 and 20 per cent in 2016). A visa is still required in 46% of travel scenarios on the continent – down from 47 per cent in 2022 and 55 per cent in 2016.

“It makes it easier for Africans to visit their families, pursue education and business interests abroad, and discover Africa as tourists. It also contributes towards the fulfillment of aspirations for a prosperous, integrated continent where people can develop their potential unhampered by overly restrictive visa regimes,” noted Jean-Guy Afrika, Acting Director of the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office.

Highlights of the 2023 Africa Visa Openness Index indicated that; The AVOI reached its highest level in 2023, slightly exceeding the previous peak of 2020; The continent now features 4 champions (Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia and Seychelles): countries that have abolished visas for citizens from all African countries; 24 countries now offer an e-visa, almost three times as many as in 2016; 15 countries improved their score in 2023, 35 maintained their scores, while only 4 scored lower; and West African countries continue to lead the rankings: 7 of the continent’s top 10 performers are from West Africa.

Commenting, the Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, noted that ‘freer movement of people could help galvanize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.’

“As we delve into the eighth edition of the AVOI and assess progress made since 2016, we take pride in the complete removal of travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the surpassing of pre-pandemic levels in visa openness.

 “Freer movement of people could help galvanize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), bringing us closer to the realization of our shared goal of an integrated Africa where goods, services, capital, and people move freely,” Akin-Olugbade added.

According to the AVOI report, Rwanda emerged as a new champion in 2023, following a progressively more liberal visa regime pursued over the past 8 years.

“In 2016, the country allowed the citizens of nearly 90 per cent of African countries to obtain a visa on arrival; with citizens of the remaining countries being able to enter the country without a visa. It later abolished visa fees for African citizens, and in 2023, Rwanda dropped visa requirements for the citizens of the entire continent.

“This has eased the burden of travel for the citizens of 35 African countries that had until recently still required a visa on arrival,” the report notes.

The AVOI recommended implementing any outstanding commitments on visa-free movement within regional economic communities; Extending visa-free travel policies to all AU member states, in increments if necessary; Streamlining and simplifying any remaining visa procedures and associated cross-border processes, Implementing and expanding e-visa systems that use secure, reliable, mobile-friendly platforms with a guaranteed response time, for countries requiring a visa ahead of travel.

“Despite the many improvements, there are still hurdles to overcome. In nearly half of country-to-country travel scenarios (46 per cent), Africans are required to obtain visas ahead of departure to travel to other African countries. Visa restrictions are notably pronounced in northern and central Africa. “Sustaining the momentum on visa liberalization is crucial for realizing the vision of the ‘Africa We Want.’ Embracing liberal visa policies will not only facilitate seamless travel but also contribute significantly to enhanced trade in goods and services, cross border investment and shared prosperity.

However, one key area for which further progress on visa openness is crucial remains the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which, according to Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission (AUC), ‘is not only an important objective in its own right, but is also essential to continental integration.’

“Freeing the movement of people across Africa’s borders is not only an important objective in its own right, but is also essential to continental integration.

“With 3 more African Union member states ratifying the AfCFTA in 2023, bringing the total to 47 ratifications, the lasting impact of the negotiations, ratification, and execution of the AfCFTA depends to a significant extent on people’s ability to cross African borders, unhindered by excessive administrative barriers.

“The flourishing of trade in goods is intricately linked to the liberalization of trade in services, both of which hinge on the smooth movement of people across Africa’s borders without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.

“We have never been closer to realizing AfCFTA’s potential to integrate the continent. The African Union is proud of countries’ progress on freeing the movement of people,” Cessouma noted.

Nigeria, others top visa openness index report in Africa

Dec 12

Nigeria, along with other West African nations have
continued to lead the rankings among seven of Africa’s top 10 performers in the
area of ease in cross-border travel, boosting trade, investment and regional
integration, according to data from the recently-released Africa Visa\Openness
Index (AVOI) 2023 report.

The visa openness achieved its highest score ever in
2023, surpassing levels last seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The AVOI measures the extent to which African countries
are open to visitors from other African countries.

According to the AVOI 2023, published, Tuesday, the
continent has also made much progress since the seventh edition of the report
was published in December 2022, as it stated that Africa is making strides in
its visa openness policies boding well for cross border travel, ease of
movement and trade in 2024 and beyond.

The report further stressed that nations within the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, including Nigeria,
scored highest on the regional score and is where African citizens enjoy the
highest levels of freedom to move across borders.

The report also measured average visa openness within the
AU-recognised Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and finds that average visa
openness has improved in 6 of the 8 RECs over the past year. RECs continue to
be important drivers of visa openness through regional initiatives aimed at
dismantling barriers to the movement of people.

“ECOWAS has taken a progressive stance on visa openness
for decades, formalizing it in 1979 with a protocol on the free movement of
persons, residence and establishment.

“In addition to boasting the highest average regional
AVOI score on the continent, ECOWAS also records the highest visa-free
reciprocity rate: this is the rate at which the visa-free policies of
individual countries within the REC are reciprocated by its member states. In
97 per cent of travel scenarios, citizens can enter another country within the
same REC without the need for a visa,” the AVOI report read.

This is also as the East African nation of Kenya announced
plans to remove visa requirements for African travelers by the end of 2023.

”Over the period 2020-21, massive border closures to curb
the spread of COVID-19, affected land and air travel, with additional
restrictions due to screening measures, bans on gatherings, quarantines and
such, causing stagnation in 2022.

“In 2023, data from the report shows that 50 countries
improved or maintained their 2022 score, with only 4 countries scoring lower.
Since the first report was published in 2016, 36 countries have improved their
score on the index. Forty-two (42) countries extend visa-free entry to citizens
from at least 5 other African countries, while 33 countries do so to citizens
of at least 10 countries. Four countries – up from three last year, have
eliminated all visa requirements for African travelers. They are Rwanda, Benin,
The Gambia, and Seychelles.

“All key overall matrices have shown improvements in
2023. In 28 per cent of all intra-Africa travel scenarios, African citizens do
not require a visa (an improvement from 27 per cent in 2022 and 20 per cent in
2016). A visa is still required in 46% of travel scenarios on the continent –
down from 47 per cent in 2022 and 55 per cent in 2016.

“It makes it easier for Africans to visit their families,
pursue education and business interests abroad, and discover Africa as
tourists. It also contributes towards the fulfillment of aspirations for a
prosperous, integrated continent where people can develop their potential
unhampered by overly restrictive visa regimes,” noted Jean-Guy Afrika, Acting
Director of the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination
Office.

Highlights of the 2023 Africa Visa Openness Index
indicated that; The AVOI reached its highest level in 2023, slightly exceeding
the previous peak of 2020; The continent now features 4 champions (Rwanda,
Benin, The Gambia and Seychelles): countries that have abolished visas for
citizens from all African countries; 24 countries now offer an e-visa, almost
three times as many as in 2016; 15 countries improved their score in 2023, 35
maintained their scores, while only 4 scored lower; and West African countries
continue to lead the rankings: 7 of the continent’s top 10 performers are from
West Africa.

Commenting, the Vice-President for Regional Development,
Integration and Business Delivery at the African Development Bank (AfDB),
Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, noted that ‘freer movement of people could help
galvanize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.’

“As we delve into the eighth edition of the AVOI and
assess progress made since 2016, we take pride in the complete removal of
travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the surpassing of
pre-pandemic levels in visa openness.

 “Freer movement of
people could help galvanize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),
bringing us closer to the realization of our shared goal of an integrated
Africa where goods, services, capital, and people move freely,” Akin-Olugbade
added.

According to the AVOI report, Rwanda emerged as a new
champion in 2023, following a progressively more liberal visa regime pursued
over the past 8 years.

“In 2016, the country allowed the citizens of nearly 90
per cent of African countries to obtain a visa on arrival; with citizens of the
remaining countries being able to enter the country without a visa. It later
abolished visa fees for African citizens, and in 2023, Rwanda dropped visa
requirements for the citizens of the entire continent.

“This has eased the burden of travel for the citizens of
35 African countries that had until recently still required a visa on arrival,”
the report notes.

The AVOI recommended implementing any outstanding
commitments on visa-free movement within regional economic communities;
Extending visa-free travel policies to all AU member states, in increments if
necessary; Streamlining and simplifying any remaining visa procedures and
associated cross-border processes, Implementing and expanding e-visa systems
that use secure, reliable, mobile-friendly platforms with a guaranteed response
time, for countries requiring a visa ahead of travel.

“Despite the many improvements, there are still hurdles
to overcome. In nearly half of country-to-country travel scenarios (46 per cent),
Africans are required to obtain visas ahead of departure to travel to other
African countries. Visa restrictions are notably pronounced in northern and
central Africa. “Sustaining the momentum on visa liberalization is crucial for
realizing the vision of the ‘Africa We Want.’ Embracing liberal visa policies
will not only facilitate seamless travel but also contribute significantly to
enhanced trade in goods and services, cross border investment and shared
prosperity.

However, one key area for which further progress on visa
openness is crucial remains the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),
which, according to Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health,
Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission
(AUC), ‘is not only an important objective in its own right, but is also
essential to continental integration.’

“Freeing the movement of people across Africa’s borders
is not only an important objective in its own right, but is also essential to
continental integration.

“With 3 more African Union member states ratifying the
AfCFTA in 2023, bringing the total to 47 ratifications, the lasting impact of
the negotiations, ratification, and execution of the AfCFTA depends to a
significant extent on people’s ability to cross African borders, unhindered by
excessive administrative barriers.

“The flourishing of trade in goods is intricately linked
to the liberalization of trade in services, both of which hinge on the smooth
movement of people across Africa’s borders without excessive bureaucratic
hurdles.

“We have never been closer to realizing AfCFTA’s
potential to integrate the continent. The African Union is proud of countries’
progress on freeing the movement of people,” Cessouma noted.

Ibom Air takes delivery of first out of 10 ordered new A220-300 aircraft

Akwa Ibom-state owned and operated Ibom Air has taken delivery of the first of 10 ordered Airbus 220-300 series aircraft.

The delivery undertaken, last weekend, in Canada has also seen the airline now become the first to operate the aircraft type described as being at the forefront of modern aviation technology.

Ibom Air signed an agreement for 10 new aircraft valued at $902 million in November 2021.

It would be recalled that former governor of Akwa Ibom and initiator of the Ibom Air project, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in 2019, had placed an order for 10 A220-300 aircraft during his tenure in 2021 when he led a delegation from the airline to the Dubai Air Show, that year where he agreed with Airbus to procure 10 of the new series aircraft.

Meanwhile, the ex-Governor Emmanuel was also was among the top dignitaries to inspect and take delivery of the aircraft in Montreal, Canada, on Friday, November 24.

Ibom Air CEO, Mr. Mfon Udom, Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel (middle) in Canada to take delivery of the new Ibom Air’s A220-300 aircraft

Mr Emmanuel said Ibom Air is the first airline to take delivery of the all-new Airbus 220 in Nigeria, as he noted that during his term as governor, he envisaged the airline to become a dominant player in the aviation industry in West Africa and Africa.

While commending the incumbent Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, for sustaining the project’s development, Emmanuel hailed the acquisition as a game changer in the civil aviation industry.

Mr. Benoit Schultz, Airbus Chief Executive Officer and Vice President; Daniel Wenninger, Head of Airbus A220 Delivery Centre; Marc Arpin and Cyrille Picard, Sales Director, and top management of Ibom Air were on ground during the aircraft presentation.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, who stated said that ‘Nigerian airlines are getting stronger by the day,’ adding further that ‘Ibom Air is making history in the Nigerian aviation industry by acquiring the new airline.’

Similarly, the Ibom Air CEO, Mr. Mfon Udom said: “Introducing the Airbus A220-300 to our fleet is a game-changing leap forward for Ibom Air.”

The Airbus A220-300 stands at the forefront of modern aviation technology, getting global attention for its fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and passenger comfort and safety features.

The Airbus 220-300 series is adaptable for short and medium-haul commercial operations with a range of about seven hours.

It is expected that the new aircraft will deployed to service the newly-opened West African route of Ghana introduced last month by the airline.

Edo Govt signs deal for 169-room Radisson Hotel Benin City, set to open in 2024

Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with the Edo Government, has announced its progressed expansion in Nigeria with the signing of Radisson Hotel Benin City, with an opening date officially fixed for 2024.

Radisson Hotel Benin City

The 169-room hotel, scheduled to open within the next 12 months is the global group’s 12th hotel in Nigeria and officially marks their debut in Benin City.

The hotel’s array of Scandinavian inspired accommodation will range from contemporary standard rooms to expansive executive suites, including a presidential suite. Creating a social hub for delectable cuisine, the hotel’s gastronomic offering will include a lobby bar and café, an all-day dining restaurant as well as a pool bar and grill. To provide a harmonious stay, guests can also unwind in the hotel’s gym and spa.

“With our ongoing commitment to expand in Nigeria, a key market in Africa for our scaled growth and Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economy, the debut in Benin City, a key state capital, is perfectly aligned with our growth strategy for the country. As our first Radisson branded hotel outside of Lagos and Abuja, the Radisson Hotel Benin City will continue to reinforce our brand awareness in Nigeria, especially for the Radisson brand which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. As a new, upscale, internationally branded hotel, we believe the hotel will play a significant role in promoting tourism and business activities within Benin City and the broader Edo State,” said Erwan Garnier, Senior Director, Development for Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

Located in Benin City, in Edo State, one of the nine oil producing states of Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Benin City is situated in the prime Government Reserved Area (GRA). Conveniently accessible via the airport and Benin-Sapele roads, the two main arteries of the city, the hotel is just five minutes’ drive from the Benin Airport and on the doorstep of the Benin Golf Course and the city’s commercial center.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective vision for progress and development in our beloved State. The Edo State Radisson Hotel Project represents a symbol of our commitment to fostering economic growth and transforming the landscape of our State.

“The Hospitality and tourism sectors have long been recognized as powerful catalysts for economic prosperity, creating opportunities for employment, investments, and socio-cultural exchange. By embarking on this ambitious venture, we are signaling our firm belief in the potential of our State as a vibrant and thriving destination,” state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said.

The Radisson Hotel Benin City is also within close proximity to various security offices, such as the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force, providing an additional security presence in the vicinity of the hotel.

The hotel’s meetings and events spaces will comprise of a 507 sqm sub-divisible ballroom, three meeting rooms and a pre-function area for a wide range of tailored events. 

“We are sculpting the landscape of our State by creating a new landmark that will shape the perception of Edo State in the eyes of the world. We envision a future where our State is synonymous with warm hospitality, unrivaled natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage.

“The hotel will serve as a gateway for visitors to experience the unique people, culture and treasures that Edo State holds.

“The Edo Radisson Hotel Project will position Edo State as a destination for capital. We are pleased to partner with the Radisson Hotel Group on this laudable project,” the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Adaze Kalu noted.

Kendrick Lamar headlines, as Move Africa campaign arrives in Rwanda

International advocacy organisation, the Global Citizen in collaboration with creative imprint, pgLang, Friday, announced plans to organise the ‘Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience’, a new long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit throughout the continent of Africa.

Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty, through campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector.

The Move Afrika initiative of Global Citizen will be hosted for the first time in the East African nation of Rwanda on December 6, 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang, the Rwanda Development Board and TimesLive.

Tagged; Move Afrika: Rwanda, the event will be headlined by Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist and co-founder of pgLang, Kendrick Lamar, while pgLang will serve as the Curator of Move Afrika for the next five years, from 2023 until 2028.

According to the organisers, Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s latest effort to address the world’s inequities by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of world-class live events.

Showcasing the best of Africa to the world, these events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training.

Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent.

In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Kigali the capital city will host Move Afrika every year for the next five years.

According to Move Africa organisers, each year, additional countries will be added to the tour schedule, which aims to expand to five countries by 2025.

The Move Rwanda will also feature more regional artists to be announced.

It is also expected to form the platform for a citizen-led advocacy campaign calling for urgent action and bold commitments from world leaders on major issues across the continent.

Key issues include: The need for increased funding for health, with a specific emphasis on women and girls; addressing the climate crisis and its impact on food security; tackling the lack of access to economic opportunities for future generations; and encouraging civic participation.

It is noteworthy that Move Afrika builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the continent that include: Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the iconic Black Star Square in 2022.

Commenting, Co-Founder and CEO, Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, said: “Africa is driving culture and creativity globally, but the Continent has been left out of the global music touring circuit for too long. By moving from one-off events to the sustained commitment of an annual tour, Move Afrika will drive transformative investments across Africa through the pioneering of a world-class touring circuit.

“Move Afrika will pave the way for many more artists to tour the Continent, while generating new economic opportunities within the entertainment industry for Africa’s booming youth generation. We are incredibly excited to bring this vision to life with pgLang and Kendrick Lamar, and are grateful for our partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, who shares our belief in this vision.

Also remarking, pgLang said: “Our goal with Move Afrika is to inspire local youth and artists to unlock their creativity. We hope to curate an immersive experience that empowers various communities and cultures across Africa and around the world for a lifetime.”

On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Francis Gatare, said: “We are delighted to host Global Citizen and to provide a platform for Move Afrika. This is a unique collaboration that aims to showcase the best of African creative talent to the world, through curated memorable entertainment experiences that address development priorities of our continent. Creating employment and income generating initiatives of the private sector, with a spotlight on the youth, is Rwanda Development Board’s core mandate.

“Together with Global Citizen and Move Afrika, we will position Rwanda as an entertainment hub for all African countries to benefit from the global creative industry.”

Also commenting, ,” Africa Patron, Global Citizen, Tshepo Mahloele, said: “I am honored and humbled to play a meaningful role that supports new age global efforts to deal with health inequity, challenge poverty, and empower women and girls.

“The neglect of these predicaments, including global warming, have a detrimental effect on the prospects of the citizens of Africa and this situation cannot be allowed to continue unabated. I am happy that the Global Citizen movement has reignited the debate about these critical matters and that it is continuing to keep Africa top of mind by having Move Afrika: Rwanda. Across the entire African continent there is huge excitement for driving economic development, tourism and world class entertainment.

“We look forward to announcing additional cities for 2024 and 2025 in the coming months

Since its inception in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen has grown to become the world’s leading advocacy

organization and one of the largest, most visible platforms uniting people around the world to call on world leaders to end extreme poverty, defend the planet and address the inequity of women and girls.”

So far, the advocacy organization has taken its action-based live music events and campaigns from New York City to India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Ghana, and Canada.

Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives.

WTTC report reveals DEIB efforts in global travel, tourism, as O’Hara takes over as new chairman

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Friday, November 3, in Kigali, Rwanda, unveiled its first-ever global Travel & Tourism report focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) during its 23^rd Global Summit.

23rd edition of the WTTC opening ceremony at the KCC in Kigali, Rwanda, Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023

The report “Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Travel & Tourism” is the result of a collaboration between WTTC and HospitableMe, a global leader in inclusive hospitality.

Supported by AIG Travel, the report offers data around Travel & Tourism employment, aiming to equip both the public and private sector the tools they need to spark change and make Travel & Tourism more diverse & inclusive.

Drawing on data from six economies, Rwanda, Australia, U.S., UK, South Africa and the European Union, it offers a deep dive on metrics such as gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and educational skills.

According to the global tourism body, the share of female workers in Travel & Tourism was highest in Australia, at 54%, followed by the U.S. (48%), higher than the overall average.

In terms of youth employment, the sector has always been considered a key employer for those aged under 25 years.

This research shows the U.S. saw 26% of youth employees in the sector, more than twice the share of the total economy average (12%), with Australia (26%) and Rwanda (24%) following closely.

Last year, according to this new study, UK’s Travel & Tourism employed a higher share of LGBTQ+ employees (5.2%) than the overall economy (4%), with a near 2.7 percentage points increase since 2011.

Workers with a disability status made up nearly 17% of the UK’s Travel & Tourism workforce, while in the U.S. sector, they represented nearly 5%, both marginally higher than the overall economy (16.6% and 4.4%, respectively).

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism has always been a people sector, whatever their background. Hospitality goes beyond travellers; it is about how we welcome and care for our colleagues and employees.

“Our sector has come a long way. Across the board, we are seeing efforts and changes led by major Travel & Tourism businesses, who are now paying more attention to creating a sense of belonging, supporting their employees, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”

Kenny Porpora, HospitableMe Partner and Head of Education, said: “This first of its kind survey shows the tourism sector’s commitment to building a more inclusive world through travel.

“The insights we’ve gained through this survey make it clear that inclusivity remains both a core strength and formidable challenge for the travel industry. We are here to extend our hand to industry leaders, urging them to harness these findings and join us on a transformative journey. Together, we can shape a future where every traveller, employee, and stakeholder feel genuinely seen, valued, and welcomed.”

Travel & Tourism supports people from all walks of life, employing the highest share of workers with lower levels of formal education across the EU, UK and the U.S, compared to the overall economy.

The report also included a comprehensive survey of WTTC Members, offering a detailed view of the DEIB landscape across the sector, providing best practice examples for areas such as recruitment, education and training, and benefits, amongst others.

WTTC draws from the findings to offer opportunities for the challenges faced by the sector, such as education on DEIB and senior leadership support, recruitment process, and benchmarking and research.

A majority of the companies analysed (60%) had dedicated personnel to their DEIB efforts, making clear this is a pressing topic all Travel & Tourism stakeholders should pay close attention to, to ensure the term “hospitality” equals “partnership”.

Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced Mr. Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management, as its new Chair. 

Mr. O’Hara who takes over the position this month, has been a member of WTTC’s Executive Committee since 2019, and Vice Chair since 2021. 

He will follow current Chairman, Arnold Donald, former President & CEO of Carnival Corporation, who has been in the position since the spring of 2021. 

Prior to forming Certares, one of the largest investment platforms dedicated to Travel & Tourism, O’Hara served as Chief Investment Officer of JP Morgan Chase’s Special Investments Group. He is the Chairman of American Express Global Business Travel and serves on the Board of Directors of TripAdvisor.

O’Hara has previously served on the Boards of Directors of Worldspan, Hertz Global Holdings, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Singer Vehicle Design, and the Innocence Project.

Addressing delegates at the recently-concluded global tourism body’s 23rd Global Summit in Kigali today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Arnold for his enormous contribution to WTTC, his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership during his tenure.

“We now embark on a new chapter, and I am delighted to welcome Greg as our new Chairman. Greg will bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Travel & Tourism sector, and I believe that under his stewardship, WTTC will reach new heights in a sector that is growing faster than the global economy.” 

Commenting, Arnold Donald said: “It has been an honour to serve my fellow WTTC Members as Chair. Our Members’ collective efforts, facilitated through private and public partnerships, have proven critical to the recovery of our sector from the economic and human effects of COVID. We are now on a path of responsible and sustainable exceptional growth for Travel & Tourism worldwide.  

“Of course, the tremendous progress achieved across all fronts would not have been possible without the strong foundation I inherited, Julia’s leadership, and the hard work of our WTTC staff. It has been a pleasure serving our Members and working with Julia and her team over the past several years.

“As my term comes to an end, I am delighted to be passing the torch to Greg, a strong contributing WTTC Member and a distinguished global leader in the Travel & Tourism sector.”

Remarking, Greg O’Hara said: “It is a great privilege to pick up the reins from Arnold Donald – a giant of our sector. I look forward to supporting our Members, WTTC and Julia, as the sector continues to go from strength to strength.” 

Under this new leadership, WTTC and its Members look forward to steering the global Travel & Tourism sector towards a brighter and more sustainable future. 

Visa facilitation, air infrastructure, marketing key to unlocking Africa’s projected US$168bn tourism market – WTTC Report

Africa’s tourism market has the potential to generate a whopping US$168bn over a period of 10yrs, representing an annual growth of 6.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) over the period under review, according to a new report made public at the ongoing World Travel & tourism (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Thursday, November 2.

The report, however, posited that current challenges such as air infrastructure, visa facilitation and destination marketing and management policies have to be improved among countries on the continent for the industry to be unlocked to its full potential.

The report, titled; ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, is a collaboration of the WTTC and the VFS Global, the visa outsourcing and technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.

According to the report, Africa’s travel and tourism sector could in addition to adding US$168 billion to the economies of Nigeria, and others on the continent, create over 18 million new jobs overall, even as it also stated that this growth potential is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5 per cent, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350 billion.

Listing the factors to include; policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing, the report maintained that the travel and tourism market is ‘a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186 billion to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers.’

It further added that the sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6 per cent of all the jobs in the region.

Speaking, Thursday, at the Kigali Convention Centre, on the Day Two of the ongoing WTTC Global Summit, President/CEO of WTTC, Ms Julia Simpson noted that the continent’s industry has ‘witnessed an extraordinary transformation,’ adding further that in just two decades, the market has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy.

 “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade.

“Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent,” she said.

Also speaking, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, Zubin Karkaria, expressed excitement over the launch of the report, which he described as a window to ‘uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.’

“This report not only highlights the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration but also provides valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offers businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.

“This report delves into the historical journey of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks, and political instability,” said Karkaria.

Continuing, Karkaria said his company having established its presence in Africa since 2005, remains ‘the trusted partner of 38 governments who we serve across 55 cities in 35 countries in Africa.’

According to him, ‘VFS Global recognises the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent.’

The WTTC/VFS Global also highlighted the opportunities for the sector, which include strategic investments improved connectivity, streamlined visa processes, reducing carbon footprint through low-carbon energy adoption, and enhancing water efficiency.

“These could unlock the potential for sustainable growth, job creation, and economic development in the African Travel & Tourism sector,” the report said.

The WTTC had, Wednesday, at the opening ceremony of the 23^rd Global Summit, disclosed that despite all the challenges, global travel and tourism sector is on a path to recovery.

According to the organisation, 2023 is projected to be a year of near-full recovery, only 1.9 per cent shy of the 2019 levels, as well as the creation of an additional near 1.8 million jobs.

Tourism industry on rebound – WTTC, as 23rd Global Summit opens in Kigali

Global Summit of the private sector’s industry operators’ platform, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) opened in Kigali, Rwanda, November 1, with reports of a rebound for the sector across the globe.

23rd edition of the WTTC opening ceremony at the KCC in Kigali, Rwanda, Wednesday, Nov. 1

WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Julia Simpson, who disclosed this in her opening address at the Kigali Conference Centre (KCC), venue of the ceremony, Wednesday, November 1, added further that global travel and tourism business ‘is making a robust comeback, bouncing back to the pre-pandemic vigour of 2019.’

According to Ms Simpson, the latest data from WTTC and its partner Oxford Economics shows that global travel is surging back, with all regions recovering faster than previously expected, with Asia-Pacific leading the way.

“Our latest data highlights our sector’s enduring appeal and resilience and is recovering faster than anticipated.

“This trend underlines the longstanding consumer appetite for travel, and despite China’s full recovery potential yet to be realised, the global sector’s performance is exceeding expectations,” Simpson said.

Kigali is hosting the 23rd edition of the Global Summit annually organised by the WTTC, the industry’s biggest umbrella platform for private sector operators across the world.

Further speaking on the recently-launched industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data (ESR), unveiled in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), part of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the WTTC President said the organisation hailed the impact of the initiative, which, according to her,  allows ‘microsite users to explore the data in detail working.’

It would be recalled that last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organisations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the sector’s accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.

“This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in Travel & Tourism’s history including the sector’s energy, and water use footprint.

“It not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in Travel & Tourism’s international supply chains.

“According to the data, Travel and Tourism was responsible for 8.1% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, 10.6% of total global energy and 0.9% of freshwater use.

“The groundbreaking ESR data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.

“Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail,” Simpson added.

Kigali, in Rwanda is playing host to the first-ever WTTC Global Summit in Africa, the event in the country, as the programe is expected to feature former Ivory Coast international and Chelsea FC of London legend, Didier Drogba, as speaker.

Others are; Justin Urquhart-Stewart, Global Economist and renowned business commentator; Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board; as well as Heads of State from the region.

Other speakers include Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Climate Activist; Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club; and David Pekoske, TSA Administrator of the United States.

In addition, WTTC Members, international media, and government representation from over 45 countries are also in attendance at the event in Kigali.

Sanwo-Olu performs groundbreaking of $100m Lagos Film City project

Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has performed the official groundbreaking of the proposed Lagos Film City in Ejinrin, in Ejirin-Ikosi Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in the Epe Division of the state, Wednesday.

(From left): Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka (left); Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Babatunde Balogun (right) and other dignitaries during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City project in Ejinrin, Epe, Wednesday

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the US$100 million project sited on a 100-hectre land along the Epe Waterfront in the state will be financed through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with the state government providing a seed capital of N4.3 billion already captured in this year’s budget allocation.

The proposed Lagos Film City project is a project of the state government alongside creative partners drawn from the EbonyLife Academy, Del-York, and Ogidi Studios, among others, and is expected to executed in three phases which includes; an academy, a production facility, and a theme park.

Speaking at the ceremony, in Ejinrin, Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu enthused about the potential entertainment and tourism potential the project portends for the state’s economy, just as he highlighted the job creation opportunities which it stands to provide, not just for the state in particular, but the entire country.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos Film City will position ‘the state as a force to reckon with in the entertainment and creative industry across the globe.’

“Today, we embark on a journey that will redefine the landscape of the film industry in Lagos State. As we break the ground for this $100million film city covering a land area of 100 hectares of land and which will be executed on the Private Public Partnership model, we are laying the foundation for a creative hub that will serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent discovery, and storytelling excellence. This film city will be a testament to our commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting the dreams of aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians.

“The film industry has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It has the ability to inspire, entertain, and educate. Through the magic of cinema, we can showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State, tell stories that reflect our shared experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities. This film city will serve as a canvas for these stories, providing a platform for our talented artists to shine on both local and global stages.

“Furthermore, the First Film City in Lagos State will create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and attract investment. It will be a hub for film production, post-production, visual effects, and all the ancillary services that support the filmmaking process. We envision a film city that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, editing suites, production offices, and everything necessary to bring the magic of the silver screen to life.

“But this film city is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the people who will walk through its doors and breathe life into its spaces. It is about the dreams that will be realized, the stories that will be told, and the impact that will be made. Our creative community is the beating heart of this film city, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

“As we embark on this journey together, I call upon all stakeholders – filmmakers, investors, educators, and the community at large – to join hands and contribute towards the success of this film city. Let us work together to build an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and empowers our artists to push the boundaries of their craft,” the governor said.

On her part, state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the Lagos Film City in Ejinrin-Epe as ‘an all-in-one facility, with leisure, entertainment, and learning infrastructure.’

“It will also have accommodations and numerous state-of-the-art studios to support television, radio and film, ranging from pre-production, production, post-production and distribution, among others. The Lagos Film City will be the biggest in Africa, not in name only, but also in the content and quality of its offerings to the creative industry The fact that a project of this magnitude is being undertaken via a public-private-partnership initiative is an excellent testament to the integrity and robustness of the Lagos State Government economic policies and finance,” he commissioner said.

According to her, the project was conceived five years ago by the Mr Sanwo-Olu under his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

“The film city is a further testament of the commitment of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration ‘to invest in the infrastructure, and create an enabling environment, for the global ‘new economy’ to thrive in Lagos State. All over the world, the creative, entertainment and tourism sectors have contributed exponentially to all economies that took decisive steps to court and nurture it, just like we are here to do today.

“The Lagos State Government has been deliberate in its various steps in this sector, it has committed huge sums to upscaling the various tourist centers across the state. For this year 2023, a total amount of N4.635 billion was specifically allocated for this purpose. Among the list of beneficiaries are the recently commissioned J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture, and the Agia Tree project.

“It is my utmost believe that by the time ‘Lagos Film City’ come on stream, the spiral-effect on the State profile as a tourist destination of choice, economy, employment opportunities, etc. will be appreciated beyond the entertainment sector,” she said.

Remarking, Founder of Del-York Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa, said allocation of private equity to investors in the project development underscored the Governor’s understanding of key partnerships required to deliver the vision and enhance growth in the creative sector.

“This idea of strategic collaboration between the Government and stakeholders is what it takes to push the country forward. The future of this country will be determined by the creative energy we are about to harness through the Film City project,” said Idahosa.

Director of the EbonyLife Group, Ms Temidayo Makajuola, described the groundbreaking of the Lagos Film City as a ‘symbolic gesture,’ which she added, ‘signifies a monumental leap forward in our pursuit of becoming a global powerhouse in the entertainment and creative industry.’

Similarly, in his goodwill message, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, representing the Anyiam-Osigwe family expressed pleasure at the groundbreaking which he described as a testament to the dreams conceived by his late sister and founder of the African Movie Awards (AMA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

Also remarking, the traditional ruler of Ejinrin, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Balogun, said the occasion marked a new dawn for the natives, describing the Film City as the “first modern project” to be brought to the town, decades after the colonial masters left.

“Talents and endowment deposited in Ejinrin can now be enhanced for national development,” the monarch said, thanking the Governor for citing the project in the town.

Popular movie star, Femi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of Nollywood, said the project represented the collective enthusiasm of theatre practitioners and creative community, stressing that the infrastructure would elevate professionalism in cinematography and entertainment.

A roll call of Nollywood personalities and notable theater practitioners who attended the ceremony included; Alhaji Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), his son, Femi Adebayo; Prince Jide Kosoko; Tade Ogidan; Prof. Sola Fosudo; Adewale Elesho; Saheed Balogun; Kunle Afolayan; Victor Osuagwu; and National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr Emeka Rollas; veteran director, Zeb Ejiro, in addition to other movie directors and young filmmakers.

The event also had in attendance traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community, who expressed their excitement seeing Lagos launching a world-class infrastructure to tap into the global entertainment market.

FTAN concludes 2023 WTD celebrations with Four Points by Sheraton, Ibom Resorts tours

Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Friday, concluded the three days of activities lined up to mark the 2023 edition of the World Tourism Day (WTD) with a tour of the expansive Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, in Uyo, as well as the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene.

The celebration included an Award Night, the WTD day celebration, a pre-celebration dinner/cocktail hosted by the state-owned carrier, Ibom Air.

This year’s WTD celebration was hosted by the Akwa Ibom Government which also used the occasion to celebrate its 36th Anniversary as a state.

The theme of this year’s world tourism day celebration is ‘Tourism and Green Investment,’ and there was no other place to put this into action than the lush green and serene nature of the Ibom Icon Hotel which is a host to over 80 per cent of both foreign and local tourists that visit Akwa Ibom for leisure and the sport of golf.

The FTAN delegation on the tour which also included members of the Uyo City Hikers (UCH), concluded the day’s tour with a visit to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located in Ikot Ekpene local government area of the state.

“Again FTAN has gone to prove that there is more to celebrating an international event like the UNWTO annual event than just conferencing and reading of speeches.

“No wonder it is said that the onus to drive the tourism industry lies with the private sector,” remarked a member of the delegation in the entourage.

Temporary UK visa centre opens in Enugu

United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria is set to open a new temporary visa processing centre in Enugu State from Wednesday, September 2023.

The centre, described as a premium facility, is expected to handle UK visa processing for a period of ‘at least three months.’

The British High Commission, in a statement announcing the opening of the facility, which is the fourth of such in Nigeria, said the Enugu centre will remain a temporary location in order ‘to assess uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation.’

“The appointment system allows an applicant to select Enugu as their application location, when applying for UK Visa. This is in addition to current locations in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

“The temporary submission centre in Enugu opens as a Premium Location meaning it will cost N246, 250 which include a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support guidance.

“Demand for visa services will be carefully monitored and service reviewed/expanded should there be sufficient volumes. TLS will trial this location for at least months to assess uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation,” the High Commission disclosed.

The facility is expected to operate from the Omedel Luxury Hotel, Independence Layout, in Enugu.

“Courier Return is included in the Premium Location fee.

“Once your application has been processed by the UK decision making authority, your passport will be collected by our courier delivery partner, and you will be able to track delivery on their website. We will notify you by email when your passport is dispatched, along with information on how to track the delivery.

“The Enugu Visa Application Centre does not have a passport return facility, and all passports will be returned via courier. Please do not visit the Visa Application Centre in person to collect your passport.

“Customers are advised that any passports which remain uncollected after 3 months from the date they were ready for collection, will be returned to an office of the authority that issued the document, for applications submitted in Nigeria, they will be returned to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),” the high commission further stated.