Tourism Key in Driving Development

Travelling to foreign countries at a young age I contracted the travel bug quite early. Looking back at all those fond memories and continuing to travel as an adult I’ve been able to recognize the importance that tourism can play in creating economic opportunities not only in developed countries of the western world, but also in developing countries.

I believe that there is an untapped opportunity yet to be exploited in Africa all over the continent. As travellers continue to look for the next emerging hotspot just like investors do, it seems the majority are getting closer and closer to Africa.

I have non-African friends who have recently visited Tanzania (I haven’t even been there yet) Kenya, Namibia, Cape Verde, South Africa, Morocco and the list continues to grow. It seems the negative connotations associated with Africa are beginning to wane and to be honest there is so much diversity to be seen on the continent that you cannot find elsewhere.

I recently made a trip to Thailand and from the moment that you arrive at the airport to the moment that you leave, you understand the importance of tourism to the country and the countries GDP (I believe it is around 10% and growing.) Now I’m not speaking of sex tourism obviously but tourism of all sorts.

Tourism in Thailand has created thousands upon thousands of jobs for local people and communities. Hotels are built and of course you need staff to work in the hotels. Resorts are built on the beaches and you need staff to work in the resorts. Tourists who are travelling are looking for exciting things to do while on holidays, so inspiring entrepreneurs create activities for them to partake in from rafting, trekking through mountains and elephant riding. Tourists need to eat and drink while on holiday so restaurants and drinking establishments are created and the cycle continues. All the while let’s remember that these establishments are not just created for the tourists but locals can appreciate them as well. You begin to see development of all sorts as infrastructure needs to be created and maintained (airports, roads, bridges etc.) Tourists come to your country, have an absolutely amazing time, go home and tell all their friends about it in a blog, and next thing you have more people visiting.

I can personally speak from experience by saying that Uganda, called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill on his arrival due to vegetation and animal species, that it is one of most beautiful countries on this Earth. Of course I am a bit biased but speak to anyone who has been there and I am sure that they will say that same thing.

Uganda has a perfect climate with the equator passing directly through it, many different habitats from deserts, savannahs and mountains, over 1,000 species of birds, and is 1 of 2 places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in its natural environment. Oh did I forget to mention that the river Nile starts in Uganda and flows backwards to Egypt! The list could literally go on and on however that is for you to investigate further. Even though groups have begun to create hotels and better infrastructure in regards to tourism the sector is far from saturated.

This is part 1 of what will be a series of posts based on the tourism sector and how it affects development. Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts.