African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and tourism development in Africa: contribution, contradiction and implications

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contributions of Agenda 2063 in tourism development in Africa while examining the inherent contradictions in its implementation. Ultimately, it brings out a meaningful synthesis of the overall implications and proposes recommendations for an equitable and sustainable tourism development in Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study draws from desk-based research and content analysis of documents and research studies related to Agenda 2063. A hypothetico-deductive approach was adopted, as this allowed for the deconstruction of text and context. Findings The findings reveal several internal inconsistencies which cuts like a double-edge sword. Empirical results show that Africa can emerge as a desirable destination if the aspirations of Agenda 2063 are appropriately popularized and operationalized. African countries need to align their tourism plans with the aspirations projected in the plan. It is imperative that the African Union (AU) oversees that there is consistent and sustainable tourism development across all member states. Research limitations/implications The study draws from and relies solely on available secondary data. This implies that unofficial and unpublicized secondary data (proceedings, concept notes, position papers and archived documents) developed from AU’s conferences and workshops have not been considered. The outcome might therefore be indicative, but not necessarily reflective of trends and hidden realities of Africa. Practical implications The outcome of this empirical study provides an improved understanding of opportunities and challenges faced by African countries seeking to develop tourism as an economic activity. It unveils discrepancies which need address and further articulates recommendations which are practical and workable to achieve the aspiration of Agenda 2063 to be a “United Africa.” Social implications The study provides valuable information for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, one of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. It further seeks to promote social and economic development based on a spirit of Pan-Africanism. Originality/value Unlike previous studies, this exploratory piece of paper provides a meaningful synthesis of Agenda 2063 from a unique perspective – the double-edge sword approach; it examines the potentials and opportunities the agenda triggers for tourism and at the same time, reveals its contradictions.

African tourism and air transport: the role of the African Union and ECOSOCC in SDG implementation post COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, the African tourism industry is facing serious challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the industry must evolve beyond the usual forms of interaction to produce a safe, yet rich experience for tourists. After considering the trends in the industry and various reports and articles (Khadaroo and Seetanah, 2008; Gowreesunkar, 2019; African Development Bank, 2018; African Union Report, 2018), it is clear that to realize a better environment for the sector, the following obstacles have to be confronted.…”

“…Air transport access in moving people from one place to the other is vital in tourism. Without travel, tourism cannot take place (Gowreesunkar, 2019). The Single African Air Travel Market (SAATM) launched by the AU is one of the AU’s pan-African Agenda 2063 flagship projects, aiming to improve air connectivity in Africa.…”

“…Based on this universal vision, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is placing its efforts in the achievement of these global goals. For instance, the UNWTO is working with governments, public and private partners, development banks, international and regional finance institutions, the UN agencies and international organizations to help achieve the SDGs, placing an emphasis on the following goals in which tourism is featured (Gowreesunkar, 2019). One of the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 is to reconcile with the vision for tourism across Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development and an integrated, politically united continent based on the ideals of pan-Africanism.…”

“…The development of infrastructure and connectivity between the different African countries is key to Africa’s integration efforts to facilitate people movement and intra African trade. However, studies show that air transport and connectivity challenges in the African continent have disrupted tourism progress (Chiu and Lin, 2011; Bakken and Rustad, 2018; Gowreesunkar, 2019) and following the post COVID-19 outbreak, those challenges have turned into threats. Building on the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and on the vision of a common market for the movement of goods and people, (the single air transport market), this article offers an insight on the role of the AU and its advisory body, the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in implementing the SDGs for the air transport sector and the tourism industry.…”

Tourism: how to achieve the sustainable development goals?

“…Hospitality and tourism organisations across the world have struggled to achieve sustainability targets (Gowreesunkar, 2019;Jones et al, 2017;Séraphin et al, 2017). Following the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become even harder to implement those targets, let alone achieving them.…”