AFRICA : HOTSPOTS! - TROUBLESPOTS?

HOT SPOTS not Trouble spots : Africa is all set to go and seek some flourishing Tourist boom.

Africa draws just five percent of the world's tourists despite boasting attractions ranging from the  Pyramids and  Victoria Falls in wildlife safaris and endless strips of pristine beach.

But the continent's huge potential can be unlocked by eco-tourism, cultural experiences, domestic travel and political stability, said experts at an African tourism conference hosted by Airbnb in Cape Town last week.

''When you look at the success stories, it's those countries who've embraced trends,,'' said the African Tourism Association's  [ATA]  managing director Nalei Khabo who spoke at the summit.

''When you look at some countries which have made sustainability a focal point., like Tanzania, or Rwanda, they're very attractive for certain travelers.''

Eco-friendly safaris and carbon-neutral lodging draw increasing number of tourists from Europe and North America.

The number of tourists visiting Tanzania has more than doubled since 2006 to above one-million contributing 14 percent of the country's  gross domestic product [GDP], according to Tanzania Invest.

Khabo, who speaks for the  African Tourism sector, said other success stories included South Africa,  ''which is promoting the diversification of their products beyond the safari.''

South Africa has witnessed a  boom of  experience-based  tours, taking travelers to disadvantaged township and rural communities as well as wine farms and game lodges.

Abigail Mbalo founded the  4RommEkasi  concept to showcase food and lifestyles in South Africa's black communities to visitors.

''We tapped into the development of tourism in rural and township spaces,'' she said. ''We are now starting to see cultural inclusivity. Those areas have been untapped.''

The operational research on Africa's Tourism continues. [Agencies]