Importance Of Tourism In Reducing Unemployment And Maximizing National Income For Development On The African Continent.

TOURISM, AN INSTRUMENT FOR REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT AND MAXIMIZING NATIONAL INCOME ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

Many African countries have a lot to offer tourists of diverse backgrounds ranging from outstanding waterfalls to unique wildlife and the ruins of ancient civilizations. It is true, Africa has more natural tourist attractions than all the continents of the world. But despite the many opportunities presented by the tourism and hospitality industry, its people are languishing in abject poverty mainly due to unemployment coupled with harsh economic conditions.

September 27th of each year marks World Tourism Day. The aim was to bring attention to the importance of tourism to the international community. Countries all over the world, both big and small, depend on tourism heavily for revenues and to highlight their cultural, social and political values. It is also to show the general public how tourism affects not only the economic values of a country or region but also how it affects the social, political and cultural values of nations or regions. Most countries have invested in tourist attraction sites and infrastructure to attract both domestic and international tourists. Currently, tourism contributes more than 9 percent of global GDP.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO reports that international tourist arrivals in Africa alone is estimated to have increased by nine percent in 2018. As per UNWTO data, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are the top tourist destinations on the continent of Africa. Worldwide, currently, the US, China, France, and Spain earn millions of dollars from tourism through which millions are employed directly and indirectly. Africa remains absurdly poor and with high unemployment rate despite thousands of tourism attraction sites.

Tourism in Africa has the potential to be a significant economic driver for the continent, however, infrastructure poses a true obstacle for advancement. Road, railway, and airport conditions are not the best and international travellers are turned off by what they consider less than average hospitality services in many areas. Western tourists are also concerned about the potential safety risks of travelling to Africa, particularly to more Arab-influenced locations where they could be potential targets for terrorist activity. Governments need to consider increasing investments in the tourism sector and marketing it to a wider range of potential customers. Despite the minimal efforts to improve on the viability of the tourism industry, the World Tourism Organization, is confident Africa could “more than double the number of tourist arrivals from 50 million in 2010 to 134 million in 2030.”

Ghana is rapidly developing, with modern infrastructure springing up and must-see tourist sites dotted across the length and breadth of the country. The contribution of tourism to the Ghanaian economy cannot be overemphasized. The country has over the years demonstrated its ability to attract both local and international tourists but the corresponding investment in the sector has been quite low as compared to the resources the country is blessed within the tourism sector.

However, there are major hurdles to cross if the country wants to maintain its status among favourite destinations for tourists. The age-long conundrum of poor roads to tourist sites must be tackled. Another challenge in the sector is the lack of professionalism. Ghana being a high-cost destination is another challenge confronting the sector. Tourists are faced with the challenge of having to pay more by way of airfare and accommodation. Furthermore, issues of safety must not be swept under the carpet.

Although the government has begun auditing some tourist site to improve on safety, many of them still lack the basic safety measures for patrons. It is very interesting that despite the efforts by the government to tackle poor sanitation along the country’s beaches, the menace of open defecation on our beaches is still alive and well. If we are to put our unemployment miseries behind us in Africa, then we have no other choice but to start full-scale investment into exploring the diversities associated with the largest industry in the world-Tourism and Hospitality.

If those with little can be successful at it, then, we have no excuse. As we join other super successful tourist nations in marking this year’s Tourism day, let us arise and support tourism to grow, for in it, lies a better future for all.

BY ELORM KPEDATOR, A TEACHER, AT TOKUROANO M/A PRIMARY SCHOOL OTI REGION –DAMBAI.