Angola, a Southern African nation whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine systems of rivers and Sub - Saharian deserts that extends across the border into Namibia, green hills and forests, renowned for its natural resources, particularly its significant oil and diamond history, with a colonial history strongly linked to Portugal reflected in its language, architecture and cuisine is experiencing a tourism surge as the future opening of a $100 million Convention Centerr signals MICE segment push.
Angola, a nation with a developing tourism industry offers a diverse range of attractions, including national parks, waterfalls, beaches and historical sites, recorded an 87.4% rise in international tourist arrivals in 2023, reaching 863.872 visitors and highlighting its emergence as a fast - growing African tourism destination.
This growth was in the spotlight during the recent UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference which took place in the capital of the country Luanda where government officials revealed major infrastructure projects including a $100 million convention centre under construction in Chicala, an informal neighbourhood of Luanda in close proximity to both the ocean and the city centre.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, spanning 72.000 square metres, the facility will feature an amphitheatre with a capacity for 3.000 attendees, a main conference hall accommodating 375 delegates, and a multipurpose theatre for 300 guests.
The infrastructure is aimed at hosting national and international political, diplomatic and economic, cultural and commercial events, will also include areas for catering, administration offices, and a car park with capacity for 700 vehicles.
This venue represents more than just a meeting space, it signals Angola’s ambition to become a key player in southern Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) segment.
Tourim Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel used the event to showcase Angola’s unique attractions and offerings from the Calandula Falls located in Malanje Province, on the Lucala River, impressive waterfalls that are 105 metres high and 400 metres wide, and Namibe Desert stretches for more than 2000 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, offering several options for outdoor activities, a destination can be combined in tailor made tours with others.
The Minister also highlighted the Giant Sable Antelope, a large rare subspecies of the sable antelope native and endemic to the central highlands of Angola and Benguela’s beaches include the spectacular Baia Azul, Praia da Caotinha, Baia Farta, Restinga and Morena that offer unique opportunities for relaxation, enjoying warm waters and stunning views of the ocean.
Visa - free entry for 97 countries, the adoption of Luanda Declaration, calling for visa waivers and open skies across Africa, a recently launched “Tourism Doing Business Guide”, form part of a broader tourism strategy within the National Plan 2023 - 2027.
With $667 million in tourism receipts and hotel occupancy up 9.2% in 2024, an investment - led approach that is positioning the country for long - term tourism sector growth improving its regional competitiveness, and the upcoming opening of the Convention Center fueling the MICE tourism, are all factors that together promise to generate a notable impact for the economy of the African country.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks a lot to read and note.