[Published: Thursday November 12 2009]
African destinations boosted by the ‘Obama effect’
London, 12 Nov. - (ANA) - Tourism to Africa is experiencing a revival largely thanks to US President Barack Obama, reveals World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2009 published in London.
The report, in association with Euromonitor International, reveals the election of a President with an African heritage has encouraged many Afro-Americans to not only trace their roots but also visit the lands of their ancestors.
Earlier this year Ghana hosted Barack Obama providing a boost to the whole region as well as the destination.
Despite the global economic recession inbound arrivals to Africa increased more than 3% in 2008. The combination of increased government investment and, improved quality of travel services, has helped fuel the surge. The World Travel Market Global Trends Report predicts 42 million international tourists will visit Africa by the end of 2010.
The US represents Africa’s largest source market with 41 million African-Americans in residence. Of the total, 31% make up Generation Y (people born in the 80s and early 90s) presenting a strong opportunity for tourism to the region to continue to grow in the long-term.
Furthermore, DNA testing to trace ancestral origin has increased in popularity and is boosting cultural and heritage tourism to the region. There are now more than 2,000 genealogy companies in the US and 35,000 African Americans have done DNA tests since 2002.
The region already offers a diversity of culture and hospitality and political stability is also increasing the attractiveness of its destinations. The internet is also fuelling the revival with positive traveller reviews opening up various destinations for independent travel and package holiday itineraries appealing to the more mainstream market. (ANA)
AB/ANA/ 12 November 2009 ---
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