Of the 1 billion international tourist arrivals in 2013, over half arrived at their destination by air with the UNWTO predicting that this will be over 1 billion by 2030. This heralds an exciting period for aviation across the world and particularly in an underdeveloped aviation market, such as Africa.

Ahead of Routes Africa, which takes place in Victoria Falls at the end of June, Routes was recently invited by the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) to share their expertise in route development for tourism organisations at the Regional Seminar on Air Connectivity in Luanda, Angola. Jon Howell, Routes’ Tourism Development Manager for Africa participated as a panellist during the a session entitled Success Factors & Remaining Obstacles alongside other industry experts such as senior representatives from South African Airways, TAAG Angola and ICAO.

The purpose of the seminar was to set an agenda for the inaugural ICAO/UNWTO ministerial conference, which will take place in the Seychelles in October. This will bring together ministers of tourism and ministers of transport from across Africa to forge closer relationships, working towards a step change in aviation development throughout the region.

This recent activity is the result of the signing of an MoU between Routes and UNWTO at ITB in March 2014 reinforcing both parties’ commitment and shared common goal in route development in the Africa region. Leading up to this, Routes was an active participant in the 5th UNWTO Investour conference, moderating a panel discussion on visa facilitation and air connectivity in Africa.

Furthermore the Routes Arica Strategy Summit which will open the forthcoming Routes Africa event in Zimbabwe 22-24 June will serve as an ideal platform for advancement on current discussions with a specific session on visa facilitation, with contributions from a panel of ministers, UNWTO, airlines and private sector stakeholders.

Routes Africa enters its 9th year in 2014 and for the first time ever, World Routes will be coming to the continent in 2015, taking place in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Routes is serious about the African agenda and has recognised that whilst there is much work to do, it is a continent full of opportunity.

To find out more about Routes Africa contact Jon Howellor register now.