According to the results of the first eight months of 2017, tourist flow to African countries increased by 13.31% compared to the same period last year. This was announced today, October 11, in Kigali, at the African Investment Forum (AHIF), AviaDev reports.
To such a significant increase in the number The launch of new international flights to Africa has led to the increase in arrivals this year, according to experts.
According to ForwardKeys, a total of 82 new routes were launched. As a result, significant growth in arrivals was noted from North and South America (+17.8%), Europe (+12.7%), Africa (+12.5%), and Asia-Pacific (+16.4%).
John Howell, Managing Director, AviaDev He commented on these results: "I am pleased to see such growth in air travel to Africa. However, it is noteworthy that consumer demand and investment in airlines were more significant from outside the continent than between African republics."
In making their forecast for the rest of the year, experts emphasized that that the bookings (air) for trips to Africa are already 15.2% ahead of last year's figure Thanks to early bookings from the Americas (+20.6%) and Europe (+16.4%). The Asia-Pacific region also maintained growth of around 16.1%.
The expected overall growth in (air) bookings to East African countries from international markets by the end of the year is 8%. Also this year, East African countries have seen a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists by 12.2%, especially European visitors - plus 16.3%.
Across Africa as a whole, The planned capacity of airlines in the international long-haul segment increased by 9%.
Of Africa's ten largest airports, nine are showing growth in domestic capacity and seven in international capacity. Durban Airport saw the largest decline in international traffic—minus 19%, primarily due to Ethiopian Airlines ceasing its routes from Addis Ababa while strengthening its capacity to Cape Town.
According to ForwardKeys co-founder and CEO Olivier Jager, "African aviation is showing extremely healthy growth."
"As an international executive and someone who has traveled throughout Africa for many years, I long for the day when it will be easier to fly directly between African cities, as is possible on other continents. I'm sure I'm not alone in this desire, and if significant growth continues, this will eventually happen."
Source: trn-news.ru