Global Courant 2023-04-14 17:28:52
According to ifc.org, the travel and tourism sector in Africa employed more than 24 million people in 2019. However, COVID-19 caused an unprecedented crisis for the tourism industry in Africa and around the world, crushing the supporting sectors that depend on tourism for revenue. According to the African Union, the pandemic has cost the continent’s tourism industry more than $55 billion in revenue. Amid the challenges, African entrepreneurs and innovators have deployed technology to rebuild the industry.
In this article, we highlight some of the African platforms that are reviving tourism on the continent, connecting travelers to unique experiences and strengthening local communities. From digital marketplaces to virtual tours, these platforms not only help boost the tourism industry, but also create opportunities for sustainable economic growth and cultural exchange.
Kijani
Kijani is a digital marketplace that connects travelers with sustainable tourism experiences in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. The platform provides travelers with access to a network of local tour operators and community-based tourism companies that provide immersive experiences that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of select destinations. Through Kijani, travelers can explore remote destinations and connect with local communities, supporting sustainable tourism practices and economic development.
Tour2
Virtual tours have become a popular way for travelers to explore destinations during the pandemic. Tour2 uses virtual tours to promote African tourism. Tour2 is a virtual tour platform that offers immersive experiences in African destinations including Egypt, South Africa and Morocco. The platform offers virtual tours of historic sites, natural attractions and cultural landmarks, giving travelers a taste of the diverse African experiences they can look forward to when travel restrictions are lifted.
Wakanow
Another platform making waves in the African travel industry is Wakanow. Wakanow is a travel booking platform that offers affordable flights, hotels and vacation packages across Africa. The platform is located in several African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Wakanow’s mission is to make travel accessible to all Africans, by providing an affordable and convenient way to explore the continent’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
Kudoti
Kudoti is a waste management platform that promotes sustainable tourism in Africa. The platform provides waste management services to hotels and tourism businesses, enabling them to reduce their environmental footprint and adopt sustainable practices. By reducing waste and promoting sustainability, Kudoti helps build a more resilient tourism industry in Africa better equipped to face future crises.
Kudobuzz
Kudobuzz is a digital marketing platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism industry market their products and services online. The platform enables businesses to collect and display customer reviews, photos, and social media content on their websites and social media pages. This helps to increase customer confidence and generate more bookings.
