“For nations like Egypt, which boasts iconic sites such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx, the impact could be devastating,” that is the first example the report gives of the potentially devastating impact on Africa tourism that the travel ban will wrought.
“Similarly, Tanzania’s tourism industry, known for the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, could lose a major portion of its U.S. market,” it goes on to cite.
Africa’s tourism plays a key role in sustaining local economies, providing jobs, and attracting international investments, if the crippling impact of the Covid 19 travel ban is anything to go by, then these countries face a catastrophic economic impact.
Today, most African countries are still recovering from the COVID 19 Tavel ban impact, and before they can fully recover, they now face another major travel ban.
“This Africa tourism impact extends beyond just the tourism sector. A potential decline in U.S. visitors could lead to a reduction in the revenue generated by hospitality, transportation, and local businesses that thrive on international tourism,” the report further warns.
“Many African nations rely on the U.S. as a vital source of tourists, and losing this market could stunt their growth in an already competitive global tourism landscape,” the report says.
The report goes on to highlight the fact that the potential decline in U.S. visitors to these countries due to the travel restrictions will lead to “…a reduction in the revenue generated by hospitality, transportation, and local businesses that thrive on international tourism.”
“Many African nations rely on the U.S. as a vital source of tourists, and losing this market could stunt their growth in an already competitive global tourism landscape,” it warns.
Denied: Reasons behind US Africa travel ban
There is a “mix of national security concerns and logistical issues related to visa overstays and identity verification,” that have led to the US travel ban. “Many African countries under review have been flagged for their inability to provide reliable identification systems, which is a key factor for U.S. immigration authorities to assess security risks,” the report explains.
Then there is the matter of high visa overstays by individuals from said countries, allegedly. “Individuals overstaying their allowed time in the U.S., further justifying the potential for more stringent travel restrictions,” the report cites.
The report says countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, “have also been identified for not meeting the U.S. government’s expectations when it comes to deportation agreements and the lack of cooperation in accepting nationals who are being removed from the U.S.”
“These factors combined have prompted the U.S. to initiate the travel restrictions Africa now faces,” it holds.
US travel ban: The black list of 25
Among the African countries facing US travel bans include but not limited to:
- Egypt
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Malawi
- Nigeria
- South Sudan
- Zambia
While on face value it may seem that these countries will be individually affected but no, the impact of annexing almost half (25 of 54 countries) of Africa will impact the entire continent.
“These countries represent a significant portion of Africa’s tourism economy. With destinations like Egypt’s ancient monuments, Tanzania’s world-renowned safari parks, and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, the Africa tourism impact could be deeply felt if the bans come into effect,” the report cautions.
Moving over, if you leave aside, or rather, as result of the US travel ban, diplomatic relations between the U.S. and these African countries could face strain, the report further cautions.
“Several of these nations, such as Egypt and Nigeria, maintain strong political and economic ties with the United States. For these countries, meeting the U.S. requirements could be a delicate balancing act between complying with U.S. demands and protecting their own national interests,” the report says.
Also Read: Angola opens energy frontier to U.S. investors in renewables and minerals
Protests erupt over US Africa travel ban
In the wake of the announced US travel ban, protests have erupted both in the U.S. and abroad. “Civil rights groups and tourism advocates are voicing strong opposition, with many calling the move discriminatory,” it is reported.
Widespread criticism argue that the US travel ban “…unfairly target African nations.” Describing the ban as ‘discriminatory,’ critics have voiced their disapproval of the US travel ban on Africa
“The ban is seen by many as a continuation of the policies from the Trump era, which were criticized for disproportionately affecting Black and brown countries,” the report points out bluntly.
Critics decry the fact that the travel restrictions imparted ‘unjustly’ on Africa may provoke a global backlash.
Her argue thatinstead of seeking greater cooperation with Africa, the Trump administration is imparting “…punitive measures based on nationality.”
There are also unconfirmed reports of activists and tourism industry leaders in Africa and elsewhere, “…mobilizing to push back against the U.S. restrictions.”
On the flip side, the report says the US travel ban may “… represent a crucial opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. by demonstrating a commitment to improving security protocols and identity verification systems.”
That been said, it is also argued that for countries like Egypt, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, whose tourism industries are heavily reliant on U.S. visitors, “…this may be a turning point.”
“The potential loss of a key market could drive these nations to make swift diplomatic efforts to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria and avoid further economic setbacks,” it says.
“African nations face a critical challenge to protect their tourism industries while meeting the stringent demands from the U.S. government,” the report details
Summing up, the report says; “The road ahead for these nations will require delicate diplomacy, cooperation, and rapid adaptation to the evolving international travel landscape.”
