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Luanda Hosts Key Aviation and Tourism Summit Luanda Hosts Key Aviation and Tourism Summit

African travel professionals, mark your calendars! Luanda, Angola, is set to host the 2nd UN Tourism and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa from 22–24 July 2025. This high-profile event offers a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and shaping the future of travel across the continent.

This year's conference holds particular significance as it follows the successful launch of Luanda's new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity of 15 million passengers annually, is poised to become a major regional hub, boosting Angola's connectivity and tourism potential. The conference provides a timely opportunity to showcase this impressive infrastructure and its role in driving economic growth.

The conference theme, "Destination for Change," reflects the dynamic transformations underway in Africa's aviation and tourism sectors. The continent's travel industry is experiencing a remarkable rebound, with international arrivals and airline passenger numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This positive momentum underscores the resilience and growth potential of the African travel market.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and experts, to address critical challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Discussions will focus on key areas such as sustainable tourism development, aviation infrastructure modernization, and enhancing regional connectivity. The conference provides a valuable forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange, fostering innovative solutions to drive the industry forward.

For African travel agents, the Luanda conference offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends and network with key players. The event will showcase best practices, innovative technologies, and successful strategies for promoting tourism and enhancing travel experiences. Travel agents can leverage this knowledge to develop new products, expand their networks, and enhance their offerings to clients.

Angola's recent visa reforms, including visa-free entry for citizens of 98 countries, further enhance the country's appeal as a tourist destination. This progressive policy has already led to increased international arrivals and is expected to further boost tourism growth. The conference provides a platform to highlight these reforms and promote Angola as a welcoming and accessible destination.

Luanda's transformation into a major aviation and tourism hub is supported by significant investments in infrastructure and hotel development. Major international hotel brands, including Sheraton and Hilton, are establishing a presence in the city, offering world-class accommodation and amenities. These developments cater to the growing demand for high-quality travel experiences and position Luanda as a competitive destination in the region.

The conference builds on the outcomes of the first UNWTO/ICAO Ministerial Conference held in Cabo Verde in 2019. That event resulted in the Santa Maria Declaration and Action Plan, which outlined key priorities for aligning tourism and air transport policies in Africa. The Luanda conference will review progress made and set new targets for the coming years, focusing on sustainable growth, regional integration, and enhanced connectivity.

The projected growth of Africa's aviation market presents significant opportunities for the tourism sector. With passenger numbers expected to reach 145 million by 2030, the demand for air travel is set to soar. This growth trajectory underscores the importance of investing in aviation infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and enhancing regional connectivity to maximize the benefits for tourism and economic development.

The 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference in Luanda is a must-attend event for African travel professionals. It offers a unique platform to gain valuable insights, network with industry leaders, and shape the future of travel in Africa. By attending this conference, travel agents can position themselves at the forefront of the industry, leveraging new opportunities to enhance their businesses and contribute to the growth of the African travel market.