AITEC Announces Major Tourism Events for Africa

The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC) announced two significant international tourism events during a press conference in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The 3rd Official Global Launch of AITEC World is scheduled for November 2, 2026, at the Hilton London, coinciding with the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026.

Additionally, the 2nd Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD 2026) will occur from November 12 to 14, 2026, at the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AITEC World President Dine Bouraima emphasized the initiative's goal to reposition tourism as a driver of Africa’s economic transformation, advocating for better connectivity and reduced travel barriers within Africa.

He highlighted the continent's potential for tourism-led growth, projecting that the travel and tourism sector could contribute approximately $241 billion to Africa's economy in 2026 and support over 31 million jobs. Bouraima criticized high airfares and restrictive visa policies as significant obstacles to economic integration.