Tourist arrival numbers to Africa from key source markets across the globe, were at their highest for 2021 last month, with 54% of supplier respondents operating at occupancies of 40% to 80%.
This is according to the latest monthly (October 2021) African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) Snapshot Survey. It is more than double the figures recorded in July where only 22% of supplier respondents were operating at between 40% and 80% occupancies.
The survey showed further that Africa’s domestic market remained essential, with 93% of respondents receiving local direct bookings. Other top source markets for respondents were Germany, the US, Switzerland and France.
Arrivals through the international trade channel increased to 79% in October – the strongest all year. Note: arrivals from the international trade channel were at 48% in July.
Here are some of the key take-outs from the October snapshot survey:
Arrivals
- Arrivals from Germany were especially high.
- 50% of those meant to travel in October actually travelled, according to both the tour operator and DMC respondents, an increase of 11% and 36% respectively over September’s figures.
- 45% of tour operator respondents said their clients were confident to travel with all the correct insurance and medical documentation – a 13% increase over September’s figure.
Bookings and enquiries
- 90% of tour operator respondents received new enquiries for Africa in October, an increase of 11% from September and the highest percentage of 2021.
- Tanzania was most popular (re enquiries) followed closely by Kenya, South Africa and Botswana.
- Tour operator enquiries were mainly from: USA (76%), UK (31%) and Continental Europe (26%). This was mirrored in responses from DMCs.
Lead times
Lead times are lengthening according to 58% of supplier respondents but enquiries with short lead times are most common, from both domestic and international markets.
- Christmas and New Year are in strong demand.
Postponements
Whilst postponements from 2020 have reduced for suppliers, they are still making up a significant amount of business for DMCs and tour operators.
- 28% of DMC respondents reported that 80-99% of their future business is postponements from 2020.
- 26% of tour operators reported that 40-60% of their future business was made up of postponements from 2020.
-Tourism Update
