Angola to Host 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference

UN Tourism, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Government of Angola are set to welcome delegates to the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, taking place in Luanda, Angola, from 22 to 24 July 2025.

Africa holds immense potential for tourism and air transport growth, yet significant opportunities remain untapped. In 2024, the continent saw a record surge in international arrivals at 74 million, translating into 7% more arrivals compared to 2019 and 12% more than in 2023, underscoring the vital role of air transport in tourism expansion.

Given their interdependence, this high-level Conference will focus on fostering stronger synergies between the two sectors to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

The programme will also feature an Expert Workshop on Tourism and Air Transport on the 22nd of July, leading up to the Ministerial Conference.

Objectives:

Aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063, the Conference aims to:

• Identify challenges and opportunities to enhance air connectivity and seamless travel across Africa.

• Strengthen dialogue between tourism and air transport stakeholders to address key business imperatives.

• Encourage political commitment to integrating tourism and air transport priorities into national and regional agendas.

Africa’s path towards deeper regional integration and economic transformation depends on the synergy between air transport and tourism, which are essential for unlocking opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable development. 

Recognizing the critical importance of these sectors, the 2nd UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, to be held in Luanda, Angola, from 22 to 24 July 2025, offers a strategic platform to advance the collaboration and address the challenges affecting the seamless development and growth of these two complementary sectors.

Building on the achievements of the first edition of the UN Tourism/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa in Sal Island, Cabo Verde in 2019, this conference coincides with significant global milestones, such as the UN Tourism Organization’s 50th anniversary and ICAO’s 80th anniversary in 2024, underscoring the global commitment to advancing Africa’s sustainable development and regional integration through enhanced air connectivity and tourism growth.