Examining the post-COVID-19 tourism recovery and resilience in the context of the African Tourism Industry

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted the global tourism and hospitality sectors, with African nations particularly affected due to their dependency on tourism as a critical economic driver. Despite the sector's importance, limited research exists on the recovery and resilience of African tourism during the pandemic. Understanding these dynamics is vital to addressing the challenges and capitalising on opportunities this crisis presents. This study critically examines the recovery and resilience strategies in the post-pandemic context of the African tourism industry. By integrating insights from literature and case studies, it identifies sectoral challenges, including economic vulnerabilities, policy gaps, and structural inefficiencies. It also explores adaptive, innovative, and sustainable approaches to recovery, underscoring the need for inclusive growth and resilience-focused planning. The findings offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, advocating multi-level strategies that prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation to guide Africa's tourism sector toward a robust recovery.