THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, will once again bring together the global tourism industry from 4-6 March 2025. The 2025 event, taking place under the motto “The world of travel lives here”, is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors from 190 countries.
This year, African countries are expected to make a significant impact, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and growing potential as a top travel destination.
Over the years, Africa’s presence at ITB Berlin has expanded, with national tourism boards, travel operators, airlines and other private sector stakeholders seizing the opportunity to promote the continent’s unique travel offerings. In 2025, several African nations will feature prominently, highlighting their commitment to sustainable tourism, investment opportunities and cultural experiences.
South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco and Ghana are among the countries expected to present robust tourism portfolios. In 2023, South Africa recorded over 8.6 million visitors, Egypt welcomed approximately 13 million tourists, Morocco saw over 12 million arrivals and Kenya attracted around 2 million visitors. These figures underscore Africa’s importance in the global tourism industry. With a renewed focus on eco-tourism, adventure travel and heritage tourism, African exhibitors aim to attract more international visitors and business partners.
Tourism is a key driver of economic development in Africa, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In many countries, the sector supports millions of jobs and serves as a crucial source of foreign exchange earnings. By fostering investment, tourism development enhances infrastructure, promotes cultural preservation and drives overall economic growth.
One of the key themes for Africa at ITB 2025 will be digital transformation in tourism. Many African tourism boards and companies are leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences, streamline travel processes and promote destinations through virtual reality and AI-driven marketing strategies.
The African Tourism Board, along with regional organizations, will host panel discussions and networking sessions, fostering collaborations between African and international tourism stakeholders. Topics such as visa facilitation, regional travel integration and sustainable tourism development will be high on the agenda.
With the global travel industry rebounding, ITB Berlin 2025 presents a crucial platform for African countries to reinforce their tourism potential, attract investment and build partnerships. The African presence at ITB is set to reaffirm the continent’s position as a dynamic and diverse travel destination on the world stage.
Femi Awoniyi
For more information please visit www.itb-berlin.com
