Tourism is key to Africa’s success – and Saudi Arabia is a willing partner for development.

Africa’s tourism industry is vital.

We know that tourism is one of the most effective sectors in the world for job creation. The sector accounts for 10% of the world’s GDP, 7% of global trade and as many as one in every 10 jobs globally.

This is crucial for Africa. The continent is home to 1.34 billion people today, and the population is projected to grow to 2 billion by 2038. The median age across the continent today is just 20.

Those young people will need access to good jobs that can provide them with opportunities and prosperity.

This can be realised thanks to the diversity of experiences available in this vast region. Africa is home to rich biodiversity and magnificent landscapes – from the pyramids in Egypt to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, down to the pristine beaches of South Africa. Travellers can enjoy adventure, relaxation, luxury, sun and sea, or ecotourism. The potential for tourism in Africa is enormous and there is truly something for everyone!

The impact of COVID

COVID-19 has had a serious impact on tourism, including in Africa. International visitor arrivals to the continent have plunged by 74%. Tourism revenues have fallen by 64%. 7.2 million jobs have been lost.

This is in addition to the terrible impact of COVID itself – the 146,000 lives lost across Africa, the families affected, their worlds changed.

Around the world, countries are rolling out vaccination programmes – and talking about restarting tourism.

But despite its large population, Africa accounts for only 1.5% of all vaccinations worldwide.

The importance of partnership

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia hosted the first Tourism Recovery Summit in Riyadh. Together with ministers from around the world, we set out a vision for what tourism should look like in the future.

When Saudi Arabia led the G20 last year, a key priority was to make sure that international cooperation in tourism was high on the agenda.

We are continuing to build on that promise and that’s why I’m delighted to be strengthening ties with countries across Africa through tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s role supporting Africa

Saudi Arabia aims to be Africa’s preferred partner in rebuilding its tourism sector.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman has committed $1 billion in support from the Saudi Fund for Development to aid economic recovery across Africa this year.?

Fund spending has focused on the distribution of loans to countries most in need, to boost economic growth, incomes and reduce unemployment. Since 1975 the Fund has contributed to the financing in grants and loans of nearly 600 development projects in 46 African countries - a total of over SR50 billion (almost US$13.5 billion).

We are building on that in partnership by working with the UN World Tourism Organization and others. In May we launched the ‘Best Villages’ programme, which aims to support the development of new tourism destinations within developing countries.

We have also pledged $100 million to a new World Bank fund for inclusive tourism development.?

I am certain that African tourism will be able to benefit from these initiatives.

A vision for the future of tourism

When I speak with other nations’ tourism ministers, we agree that tourism’s recovery must be based on three vital principles:

Firstly, that any recovery must be inclusive, ensuring that everyone shares in the prosperity and wealth that this incredible, diverse industry generates. That means a strong voice for tourism in all parts of the world, especially in developing countries.

Secondly, we need a more sustainable tourism industry – one that balances its impact on community and planet.

And thirdly, we will only be able to fully realise the benefits of tourism if we collaborate, country with country, and public sector with the private sector.

I am proud that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is already acting on these principles.

This is our sector’s future.

It is an opportunity to create a more responsible, more sustainable approach to tourism that uplifts communities and drive economies while preserving the environment and respecting local cultures.

Saudi Arabia is working hard on solutions to these issues, through initiatives such as the Global Academy for Tourism Training we announced last year, and encouraging greater investment in the sector through the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Our aim is to work together with willing partners from around the world, to develop innovative solutions to successfully restart and rebuild the global tourism industry to be more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

I look forward to continuing to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s crucial partnerships in tourism across the continent, creating opportunities for all its people.