Angola promotes Tourist railway corridors
On Tuesday, July 9, the Ministers of Transport, Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, and Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, convened a pivotal working meeting in the meeting room of the Port of Luanda. This strategic session culminated in the formulation of an extensive Action Plan, set for immediate implementation, encompassing a broad array of initiatives aimed at bolstering Angola’s transport and tourism sectors.
A primary focus of the discussion was the establishment of a collaborative team dedicated to developing the STOP OVER Angola program, in partnership with TAAG and INFOTUR. This ambitious initiative is designed to significantly enhance Angola’s attractiveness as a tourism destination, targeting international travelers by offering appealing stopover options that showcase the country’s unique offerings.
Moreover, the ministers outlined plans for the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of African Ministers of Tourism and Transport, slated for 2025. This high-profile gathering aims to foster deeper collaboration and strategic alignment between the tourism and transport sectors across the African continent, driving concerted efforts towards mutual growth and development.
A key component of the Action Plan is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint sharing of statistical data between the transport and tourism ministries. This agreement is expected to improve data transparency, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
In terms of infrastructure development, the certification of priority airports was underscored as a critical objective. The certification process is targeted for completion at Catumbela Airport by November 2024, Mukanka Airport by the end of 2024, and Namibe Airport in 2025. Achieving these certifications will ensure these airports meet international standards, thereby enhancing their capacity to handle increased tourist arrivals and contributing to overall sector growth.
Additionally, the promotion of railway corridors for tourism was a significant agenda item. The development of the Lobito-Luau and Mocamedes-Lubango routes is expected to offer scenic and convenient travel options, further promoting Angola’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage to tourists.
Another crucial point of discussion was the expedited resumption of the southern Angola air hub. This initiative aims to improve regional connectivity by facilitating aircraft transit from Lubango to various regional destinations, thereby boosting regional tourism and economic integration.
The concerted efforts between the Ministries of Transport and Tourism, as outlined in the Action Plan, are anticipated to significantly elevate Angola’s profile as a travel destination. By implementing these strategic initiatives, Angola aims to become a more accessible, appealing, and competitive destination on the global tourism map, attracting a greater number of international visitors and fostering sustainable tourism growth.
