“Angolans must be first interested in exploring the country’s tourism potential” –

The seventh edition of the International Tourism Exchange (BITUR 2024) kicked off today, in the city of Lubango, province of Huíla, and will run until Saturday, with a focus on exchanging experience with countries such as Portugal, Morocco and Cape Verde.

The event was officially opened by the Minister of State and Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic. During his speech, Adão de Almeida said that “economic diversification is one of our country’s biggest challenges and the tourism sector is one of those with the greatest potential to contribute to this transformation”.

Adão de Almeida added that a vibrant and dynamic tourism sector boosts the economy, generates employment and wealth, in addition to contributing to the development and prosperity of citizens.

“We have to continue working to create the necessary foundations for greater dynamics in domestic tourism. Angolans must be the first interested in knowing and exploring the
endless tourist potential that our country has. If domestic tourism is a vibrant reality, foreign tourism will more easily emerge”, he highlighted.

According to the National Tourism Promotion Plan, approved by Presidential Decree No. 69/24, of March 11, the sector contracted substantially following the COVID-19 pandemic, representing only 0.01% in 2022. of Gross Domestic Product.

“This contribution could be substantially greater, mainly because the transversality of tourism can be a catalyst for other areas of activity”, said Adão de Almeida.