Editorial

Africa and the need for sustainable tourism

Uwe P. Hermann

Copyright: © 2025. The Author(s). Licensee: AOSIS.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reflecting on Africa, I see a continent blessed with a rich history and a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages and traditions. A continent that is home to unique natural ecosystems inhabited by exceptional fauna and flora dependent on spectacular landscapes from mountains, deserts, bushveld and tropical rainforests. These resources have been considered some of the major driving forces behind the development and growth of tourism on the continent and serve prominently in destination marketing plans of many countries and regions on the continent.

Africa’s tourism industry holds immense potential for economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange. As a point of reference, in 2023, tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) (Galal 2024). The economies of some countries are highly dependent on tourism; Seychelles, for example, is reliant on the industry for 46.2% of its GDP (World Bank 2024). However, as the industry expands, it must acknowledge its contribution to global challenges such as climate change, the potential effects of mass tourism and align with global sustainability imperatives to ensure long-term viability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a vital roadmap for the continent’s tourism industry to achieve responsible and inclusive growth while safeguarding its natural and cultural heritage.

Sustainable tourism in Africa must prioritise environmental conservation, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as national parks, coastal areas and heritage sites. Responsible tourism practices such as reducing carbon footprints, limiting over-tourism and promoting eco-friendly accommodation options for tourists directly support SDG 13 (Climate action) and SDG 15 (Life on land). Likewise, community-based tourism models have the potential to empower host communities, ensuring that tourism revenue benefits local populations (Mtapuri, Camilleri & Dłużewska 2022), in line with SDG 1 (No poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth).

Moreover, African tourism must embrace innovation and resilience. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the industry, highlighting the need for sustainable recovery strategies that prioritise health, safety and digital transformation (Li et al. 2022). Strengthening regional partnerships and investing in skills development (Graci 2020) will enhance the sector’s ability to thrive while aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).

Ultimately, Africa’s tourism industry cannot afford to overlook sustainability. By embedding the SDGs into tourism policies and practices, the continent has the potential to unlock long-term economic prosperity while protecting its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations. The time to act is now; embracing sustainable tourism is not just an option; it is a necessity. We also need to look beyond the horizon of 2030, as in under 5 years the SDG targets will be passed. What about sustainability beyond 2030? Research is needed to advance the discourse on sustainability, particularly sustainable tourism in a post-2030 world.

In response to the urgent need for action, the newly established African Journal of Sustainable Tourism (AJST) is envisioned as a scholarly platform for researchers and practitioners to engage in critical discussions and advance the principles of sustainable tourism across the continent. As a journal founded in Africa, for Africa, the AJST aims to publish applied research that actively contributes to the realisation of sustainable tourism within the region. While the journal adopts an Afrocentric research perspective to address the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities, its scope is not limited to Africa. The insights and contributions published in AJST may also offer valuable perspectives for other geographical regions, particularly developing economies and contexts that share similar social, economic and environmental dynamics.

Shweshwe or seshoeshoe (in seSotho) fabric holds deeply symbolic and historically rich cultural significance across Southern Africa, particularly among communities in South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana. Recognisable by its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant indigo, brown or red hues, shweshwe has evolved from indigenous African designs to contemporary designs incorporating European and Indian influences (Pheto-Moeti, Riekert & Pelser 2017). Today the fabric is synonymous with the multicultural African heritage and identity. Traditionally worn by women for special occasions, initiation ceremonies and cultural celebrations, it is often used in dresses, skirts and headwraps, signifying status, tradition and continuity. Today, shweshwe has transcended its historical roots, embraced by contemporary fashion designers who blend its cultural essence with modern aesthetics, ensuring its relevance in traditional and global fashion landscapes (Pheto-Moeti et al. 2017). Therefore, it is highly appropriate for the shweshwe pattern to serve as the distinguishing feature of this new journal, prominently incorporated into its logo.

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