Participants at the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum identified poor air connectivity across Africa as a major obstacle to the growth of the continent’s tourism sector. Daphne Natacha Lekipaik, a representative of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, pointed out that limited direct flights between African countries continue to hinder the industry’s development.
Lekipaik highlighted ongoing efforts by the African Airline Association and civil aviation bodies to address the issue, noting that significant revenue has already been lost due to inadequate flight connections. “There is a huge issue in terms of connectivity,” she said, adding that it creates barriers to the movement of people and goods within Africa.
The African Union Commission is also working to promote aviation freedom rights, aiming to improve intra-continental travel. A task force has been formed to unite various airlines and stakeholders in search of a sustainable solution.
In Botswana, the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) has taken steps to tackle this challenge. HATAB Public Affairs and Communications Manager Tebogo Ramakgathi confirmed that discussions are underway with foreign aviation operators to introduce direct flights from Europe to the Okavango Delta. The initiative aims to reduce travel costs and time for tourists, who often have to transit through South Africa before reaching Botswana.
Fly Okavango, an aviation company, has shown interest in establishing direct flights to Maun, and talks are progressing. Ramakgathi expressed optimism, noting that the direct routes would help the tourism sector recover from the losses caused by COVID-19 restrictions.
