This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the aviation and hospitality sectors in Africa are facing an unprecedented crisis. On May 7, 2020, five international air transport and tourism bodies launched a Sh1.06 trillion ($10 billion) global financial appeal to cushion the sector from collapse.
The appeal, led by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the African Airlines Association, and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, aims to provide financial relief to airlines, hotels, guesthouses, lodges, restaurants, and meeting venues that have been severely affected by the pandemic.
According to Alexandre de Juniac, Director-General and CEO of IATA, financial relief is critical for Africa's post-pandemic future. 'But without a lifeline of funding to keep the travel and tourism sector alive, the economic devastation of Covid-19 could take Africa's development back a decade or more,' he said.
The appeal comes as Kenya's aviation and tourism sectors ground their operations due to flight and tourism booking cancellations linked to the fight against Covid-19. The sectors have been severely impacted, with many businesses laying off staff or sending them on unpaid leaves to cut costs.
