African tourism has potential to grow if well managed: WTTC

"Research from IATA and Intervistas have found that further air liberalization across Africa would benefit South Africa and 11 other countries on the continent. South Africa would increase passenger movements by 800,000 per year - a 52 percent increase in traffic to/from the 11 other countries. Due to the size of its aviation market, South Africa would stand to benefit more than all other countries in the study," she said.

WTTC also said digital technology is the greatest enabler to the sector's growth in various ways. Many countries in Africa continue to embrace digital technology from destination marketing to managing tourist flows at popular sites in real time via apps.

Turner said, "We encourage the utilization of digital technology to ensure efficiency and ease of travel with respect to visa applications and processes."

WTTC president and CEO, Gloria Guevara is scheduled to speak at the African leaders's forum on Thursday in Stellenbosch. The forum is expected to be attended by over 100 tourism role players from Africa and outside. Some of those who will attend include South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom and Botswana Environment Minister Tshekedi Khama II.

The tourism leaders will discuss travel facilitation and connectivity, human capital and development. They will also discuss community empowerment and sustainability, and the use of digital technology to enhance growth.