How COVID-19 is destroying Africa’s tourism industry

Rwanda's tourism sector got a sizeable boost as a massive 25 year concession deal between the Rwanda Development Board and Imizi EcoTourism Development was concluded. The agreement will see the installation a multi-phased conservation and tourism management program in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in the West of the Country.

Even during a strict lockdown, anti-poaching rangers in South Africa's Greater Kruger Park area continue on the front lines to guard one of the country’s most precious resources: its wildlife. Conservationists are wary that poaching -- for food or illegal trade -- might increase.

Africa's tourism industry has been hard hit by coronavirus lockdowns. Overnight, hotel bookings were canceled, safaris postponed and cultural tours abandoned. DW meets operators struggling to stay afloat.

With foreign tourists not visiting Cambodia, an increasing number of people find it difficult to make ends meet. Experts say the tourism industry will take years to revive. Ate Hoekstra reports from Siem Reap.

Toyin Abiodun, Strategic Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry was recently appointed as member of the World Tourism Forum Institute International Council. She spoke to CNBC Africa for more on her new role and the recovery of global tourism.

The global travel and tourism sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020. Some countries are beginning to reopen their borders to vaccinated foreign tourists and hoping for a strong summer season. Virginia Messina, Managing Director of the World Travel and Tourism Council, believes vaccines will help the industry recover but are not the only solution. "Everyone should be able to travel," she told FRANCE 24, but consumer confidence has been undermined by a lack of consistency in international regulations.

In the absence of international travel and visitors from abroad, a Ugandan tourism company is turning to young local tourists hoping to travel closer to home. The company is building a small but loyal customer base.