UN Tourism Highlights Angola as a Promising Destination for Tourism Investment

Luanda: The progress achieved by Angola in promoting tourism and attracting investment was highlighted on Thursday, in Luanda, by the Secretary-General of Tourism of the United Nations (UN), Shaikha Al Nowais. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 'Angola Investment Summit 2026', which runs until Friday, she considered the country an example of transformation and ambition on the African continent. According to Angola Press News Agency, the confidence of international investors in Angola is growing, as a result of the reforms implemented by the Angolan Government aiming to develop the tourism sector. The vision of the Head of State, Joo Lourenço, to transform tourism into an engine of prosperity and development, is becoming a reality through concrete measures, such as the mobilization of more than 8 billion euros within the framework of the National Tourism Development Plan (PLANATUR), the visa exemption for citizens of more than 90 countries, and the strengthening of regional air connectivity. Investment is driven by confidence and Angola has been establishing itself as an increasingly attractive destination for tour operators, hotel groups, and international investors. Angola's participation in Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB Berlin), Germany, one of the world's largest tourism fairs, where the country showcased its cultural, gastronomic, and artistic richness, reinforced its image in international markets. The African tourism potential remains underutilized due to the low volume of investments allocated to the continent, a situation that needs to change course. Africa is the region that receives the least tourism investment in the world, adding that the potential exists, but investment is not yet keeping pace with this reality. In this regard, the UN Tourism is committed to supporting African countries in mobilizing resources and creating favorable conditions for attracting private capital, through investment forums and closer ties between governments and investors. Angola has the necessary conditions to accelerate tourism growth, as it is a prepared, ambitious destination open to investment. The Angola Investment Summit 2026, currently being held in Luanda, brings together government leaders, including the President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, businesspeople, investors, and representatives of international organizations to discuss investment opportunities and economic development, with a focus on tourism. It is organized by the Government of Angola, in partnership with the Global Tourism Forum Institute (GTFI), one of the most prestigious international platforms for promoting investment and tourism development. The summit takes place at a particularly relevant moment for Angola's international projection, as well as for consolidating tourism as one of the strategic sectors of national economic diversification. The Angola Investment Summit 2026 aims to promote concrete investment opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships, and new projects capable of generating employment, economic growth, an d sustainable development for the country.