Luanda, Angola, is set to host the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa from 22–24 July 2025, a major event that aims to strengthen collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors in a bid to unlock Africa’s vast potential for connectivity, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
Held under the theme "Fostering Synergies between Tourism and Air Transport for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth," the conference comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s travel and tourism industry, which witnessed a record 74 million international arrivals in 2024—a 7% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a 12% rise from 2023.
A Turning Point for Africa’s Tourism and Aviation Sectors
Organized jointly by UN Tourism, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Government of Angola, the ministerial-level gathering will bring together African ministers, senior policymakers, aviation regulators, and tourism industry leaders to shape a shared vision for more connected and competitive African economies.
Discussions will cover critical themes including:
- Closing air connectivity gaps across the continent
- Mobilizing infrastructure investment
- Promoting regulatory harmonization
- Advancing regional integration and innovation
The conference will culminate in the adoption of the Luanda Ministerial Statement, which will outline key joint priorities to position tourism and air transport as central pillars of inclusive, green, and resilient growth.
Setting the Agenda for Sustainable Development
The event aligns with global and regional development frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. A special Expert Workshop on Tourism and Air Transport will take place on 22 July, setting the stage for informed ministerial deliberations on the following two days.
According to organizers, the conference seeks to:
- Identify challenges and opportunities for enhancing air connectivity and seamless travel in Africa
- Foster cross-sectoral dialogue among tourism and aviation stakeholders
- Secure political commitment to integrating tourism and air transport into national development strategies
Unlocking a Continental Opportunity
Despite recent gains, Africa’s travel and tourism sectors still face significant barriers, including limited intra-African flight routes, high airfares, infrastructure constraints, and uneven regulatory frameworks. Organizers see the conference as a critical step toward unlocking untapped opportunities and positioning Africa as a competitive global destination for business and leisure.
With momentum building across both sectors, Luanda’s upcoming conference is expected to shape a new era of interconnected, inclusive, and sustainable growth—powered by the fusion of tourism ambition and aviation access.