The European Union has funded a three-month study to promote cruise tourism within the Eastern and Southern African region under the auspices of PMAESA.
The study is being undertaken by Consult International, a company being represented by Michael Langstaff and Chris Landmann, both with over 30 years’ experience in developing countries: development projects, organisation of investment conferences and facilitation of EU-Africa business links, for the EU, World Bank and UN specialised Agencies. According to Jerome Ntibarekerwa, PMAESA’s secretary-general, the sector has great potential, cultural richness, diversity, natural beauty and wonderful weather that need to be exploited.
The purpose of the policies and regulations is to provide uniformity in service provision in the region. Standards and clear guidelines with structures need to be developed to coordinate the activities of the sector in the region with a view to promoting cruise shipping.
Upon completion, the project is expected to help promote the cruise industry in the region and strengthen partnership with European cruise. Additionally, information systems will be strengthened among the stakeholders, support facilities and infrastructure, such as airports, hotels, transportation and security, in addition to smooth handling of the vessels, will be improved, knowledge of the cruise sector will be promoted and there will be the possibility of having outbound travellers from the region.
Cruise tourism is the fastest growing sector in the tourism industry. The growth in cruise tourism has been exceptional, from 500 000 passengers in the 70s to 12.8 million 2008. The potential in the cruise industry is huge and is currently characterised by the vast untapped regions, development of mega ships and the expectations. Growth in the industry is expected to continue soaring: according to Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), the sector will handle about 20 million passengers by 2011, to raise to 30 million by 2020.
Cruise companies are looking for new ports of call in different parts of the world to add value to their packages as they endeavour to attract more business. Africa offers enormous untapped potential despite the vast attractions as it commands only 0.9 % of the cruise market share in the world. The PMAESA region, which is well positioned for all-year-round cruising, has only 0.05% share.
The beauty and attractions found in the Indian Ocean region are second to none and range from the Nubian Desert in the north, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, and the Great Rift Valley. There are the great plains of East Africa, including Serengeti, the slave markets of Zanzibar, the River Nile and Lake Victoria. And South Africa’s Table Mountain and Robben Island and many game reserves lie in close proximity to ports in the PMAESA region.