One African country is struggling with a drop in tourism demand even with its scenic coastlines. (Image: Getty)
The stunning country of is found on the west-central coast of Southern
It is bordered by Namibia to the south, the DRC to the north, Zambia to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and home to scenic coastlines, wildlife reserves and historic landmarks – with the potential of becoming one of the continent’s leading tourist destinations.
But the country is facing structural challenges that have hindered growth. Its sector has faced significant challenges since 2000, with demand dropping by 5% annually. In 2023, Angola recorded 169,000 tourist arrivals, but projections suggest a decline to 99,000 visitors by 2028.
Nevertheless, if the right investments are made, Angola’s , cultural sites and natural beauty offers opportunities for tourism growth.
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The Kalandula Falls are home to 105-metre-high waterfalls on the Lucala River. (Image: Getty)
Tourism receipts are expected to fall from $667 million (£530 million) in 2023 to $654 million (£520 million) by 2028.
The government is now focusing on revamping its tourism strategy to reverse this trend.
Angola’s tourism industry is based on its rivers, waterfalls and coastline. The Kalandula Falls are home to 105-metre-high waterfalls on the Lucala River, while its national parks are home to carnivorous wildlife such as leopards, lions and hyenas.
Its capital and most populous city is , which offers a fantastic variety of things to do including beach relaxation, island-hopping tours, historical site visits and art exhibitions.
Among the must-see places are the Fortress of Sao Miguel, Ilha do Mussulo and the National Museum of .
The western city of Benguela also provides excellent beach relaxation and snorkelling opportunities, while Lubango offers sightseeing tours, and scenic views of the Tundavala Gap.
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Angola’s capital, Luanda, offers a fantastic variety of things to do. (Image: Getty)
One move Angola has made is to open its borders to citizens from 97 countries, offering in a bold move to attract more international tourists, promote trade and support its growing economy.
This visa reform positions Angola as one of the most accessible destinations in Africa, allowing travelers from Africa, , Europe, the Americas and Oceania to enter the country with ease.
In addition, key African nations including , Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini now enjoy visa-free entry, supporting regional integration and encouraging cross-border tourism.
The move also extends to major Asian economies like , China, India, Singapore, South Korea and the UAE – who are critical for trade and tourism partnerships.
countries feature prominently on Angola’s visa-free list, including citizens from the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain.