Key Characteristics of African Tourism GVCs

Africa’s tourism GVCs are notable for many features, including the durability of package booking channels, low domestic demand for tourism, the presence of global — rather than regional — lead firms and the corresponding implications for leakages from the local economy as well as the importance of business travel. This paper examines some of the most significant aspects of African tourism that influence the economic upgrading that is available to local stakeholders. It then concludes by identifying policy initiatives that may facilitate those upgrading trajectories.