Africa Ecotourism: $830 Billion Market Growth Forecast 2024-2035
Africa’s ecotourism sector is emerging as a lucrative opportunity, with the global market forecasted to expand from $210.4 billion in 2023 to $829.8 billion by 2035, at a robust CAGR of 11.7%. Ecotourism, centered on sustainable travel practices, provides culturally immersive experiences while promoting environmental preservation and benefiting local communities. Activities like wildlife exploration, hiking, and cultural engagement enable visitors to connect with nature responsibly, enhance biodiversity appreciation, and contribute to global conservation efforts.
Key drivers of this surge include a growing demand for authentic travel experiences and increasing eco-conscious consumer behavior. Travelers now prioritize meaningful cultural interactions and sustainable practices, aligning with ecotourism’s focus on minimizing environmental impact and supporting local economies. Additionally, the diversification of offerings—such as community-based tourism, eco-friendly adventure sports, sustainable culinary tours, and conservation education—broadens the market appeal, attracting a wide demographic of solo and group travelers across various age groups.
Wellness and community-based tourism, along with allied segments like vacation rentals, are achieving significant global growth, presenting further opportunities within the broader tourism ecosystem. Key players in the sector, such as Intrepid Group Limited and Travel Leaders Group, are instrumental in shaping this promising trajectory, positioning Africa as a competitive contender in the ecotourism market.
New Ethiopian Airport Terminal Opens: Boosting Tourism & Connectivity
Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated a state-of-the-art terminal at Bale Robe's Wako Gutu Airport, enhancing travel experiences and regional connectivity. The new terminal, celebrated in a ceremony attended by Oromia Regional State President H.E. Shimelis Abdisa and other dignitaries, reinforces Ethiopian Airlines' commitment to bolstering domestic air travel. This facility is expected to boost socio-economic ties, cultural exchanges, and tourism, particularly in the Bale region, which is home to renowned attractions like the Sof Omar cave and Bale Mountains National Park.
CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the airline’s dedication to delivering upgraded airport facilities to improve passenger comfort and convenience. The terminal represents Ethiopian Airlines' broader efforts to strengthen its domestic network, which spans 22 destinations and includes up to 14 weekly flights to Bale Robe.
The airline's ongoing investments in aviation infrastructure include inaugurating terminals at Gode Ugaas Miraad and Jinka Airports, renovating Addis Ababa Bole International Airport’s Domestic Terminal, and resuming services to Dembi Dollo and Axum. Since integrating Ethiopian Airports Enterprise as a Strategic Business Unit in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has effectively overseen the development, renovation, and operation of airports nationwide, showcasing its pivotal role in transforming Ethiopia’s aviation landscape and driving tourism growth.
Mauritius Fights Waste: TUI's New Zero-Waste Tourism Program
Mauritius has taken a bold step toward sustainability with the launch of the Destination Zero Waste Programme, a joint initiative by the TUI Care Foundation and the Tourism Authority of Mauritius. This comprehensive program tackles waste management through three strategic pillars: awareness, infrastructure enhancement, and collaboration.
To raise awareness, public campaigns across media platforms and school-based education on waste stewardship are fostering cultural change. Partnerships with over 100 organizations support community cleanup events, while stakeholders participate in tours and workshops on waste upcycling. Infrastructure improvements include segregated bins and 2,000 beach ashtrays, with 90% of plastic and glass waste from tourist sites now being recycled.
The program emphasizes collaboration with capacity-building efforts like a three-day workshop co-hosted with the UN Environment Programme, focused on reducing single-use plastics and food waste. Attended by 80 public and private sector leaders, the event highlighted Mauritius’s commitment to sustainability. TUI Care Foundation’s Executive Director, Alexander Panczuk, praised the initiative for not only preserving the island’s biodiversity but also supporting economic growth and coastal community wellbeing.
Active across various global destinations, the programme fosters waste reduction, job creation, and a circular economy, aiming to position Mauritius as a plastic-free tourism hub with lasting environmental and social benefits.
