Last month Routes staff played an important role in discussions on tourism and connectivity in Africa during a forum at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain, which celebrated its 34th staging from January 22 to 26, 2014. The forum was attended by over 15 African Ministers of Tourism and was introduced by the UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

Mr Rifai highlighted the impressive growth the continent has seen in tourism arrivals, increasing five per cent year-on-year, but highlighted that air connectivity and visa facilitation are key issues that need to be addressed if Africa is going to develop further.

Jon Howell, tourism development and regional sales manager for Africa, moderated a panel discussing visa facilitation and air connectivity within Africa. The panellists included Albert Muntane, air Europa, señor Miguel alimbau from Turkish airlines and the honourable minister of tourism for Zimbabwe, Walter Mzembi. It was highlighted that whilst the continent has seen growth, it accounts for less than five per cent of global tourism arrivals (56 million in 2013) and for a continent of over a billion people, only three per cent of global air traffic.

The airlines discussed some of the obstacles preventing further growth and speculated on the impacts a Univisa and liberalised environment would have on the African continent. Having the airline input to the session added a market perspective that is so often missing from these forums. Mr Muntane explained that "deregulation brings movement and growth" and that traditional protectionist policies can hinder tourism growth.

With Routes Africa taking place in Zimbabwe this June and World Routes travelling to Africa (Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal) for the first time ever in 2015, it is clear that Africa over the next two years will gain the exposure the Continent requires to achieve much improved air connectivity both within the Continent and to/from international markets.

In the table below we highlight the ten largest carriers serving Africa in 2013 based upon seat capacity on non-stop departures within and from the continent.