President of the World Travel and Tourism Council: We Launched 7 Principles to Classify Destination Readiness for Investment

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Gloria Guevara Manzo, the former Mexican Minister of Tourism and now the President of the World Travel and Tourism Council, discussed the rapid structural changes in the global tourism sector. She stated that countries must adopt flexible strategies to attract investments and develop their infrastructure. Guevara announced the launch of seven essential principles to classify countries as 'investment-ready' destinations during the Angola Investment Summit 2026. She emphasized that while artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency and productivity, it cannot replace the human element in a sector that fundamentally relies on human interaction. Guevara highlighted that Angola possesses immense potential but stressed the importance of building a solid foundation. She was impressed by the investments made in infrastructure and the specific plans that have made tourism a national priority. However, she noted that developing tourism should not only be a top-down approach but also involve grassroots efforts, working with local communities and the global private sector. Legal stability and specific judicial systems to support long-term investment and foreign capital remain crucial for foreign investors, which is one of the seven priorities identified. The challenges facing African tourism were also addressed, with Guevara pointing out that a unified visa policy and improved air connectivity are essential for reshaping the continental narrative beyond traditional safari trips. She mentioned that while the global economy grew by 2.8% last year, the travel and tourism sector grew by 4.1%. Africa recorded a growth rate of 5%, surpassing the global average. However, the fastest growth was seen in the Asia-Pacific region, which has implemented policies like visa exemptions and regional visas, enabling smoother travel between destinations. Guevara argued that a regional visa would allow travelers from long distances to visit multiple destinations in Africa, similar to how the Schengen visa operates in Europe. She emphasized the need for better connectivity within Africa, stating that traveling between countries should not require detours through other continents. The experience of traveling within Africa should be seamless, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that currently exist. Guevara concluded by stating that Africa can learn from other regions, particularly in terms of creating a more integrated and efficient travel experience.