Angola's tourism sector showcased remarkable growth and received international acclaim at the 60th edition of the ITB Berlin International Tourism Fair 2026. José de Lima Massano, the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, announced during a meeting with businesspeople in Berlin that Angola generated approximately 667 million US dollars in tourism revenues in 2025. This impressive figure was accompanied by a 30% increase in international arrivals, positioning Angola as the fastest-growing tourist destination in Africa and the fourth fastest worldwide.

The minister highlighted significant expansion within Angola's hotel industry, noting an increase from 1,260 units in 2021 to 1,428 in 2024, with an occupancy rate exceeding 72%. Business tourism remains a predominant segment, reinforcing Angola's evolving status as a crucial regional business platform. This progress, according to Minister Massano, is a direct result of strategic reforms and substantial investments initiated by the Angolan government.

Looking to the future, the Angolan government has committed to bolstering its tourism workforce, with plans to train ten thousand professionals by 2027. This initiative aims to equip the sector with a skilled workforce capable of competing effectively in the global market. Furthermore, the government is financing territorial master plans across 29 priority areas, ensuring that tourism development is both sustainable and integrated. Investment is viewed as the primary catalyst for transforming Angola's vast tourism potential into tangible reality. To this end, the Government approved a significant €449 billion for the construction of essential infrastructure within integrated tourist zones, particularly along the South coast, creating a robust foundation for attracting private investment.

Minister Massano reiterated that Angola is an open, prepared, and committed nation dedicated to building a sustainable, competitive, and globally connected tourism sector. He extended an earnest appeal to entrepreneurs worldwide to join this journey by investing, establishing partnerships, and exploring a country where opportunity and natural beauty harmoniously converge.

During the ITB Berlin 2026 fair, Angola received three prestigious awards, recognizing its excellence in "Best Destination and Diverse Landscapes of the Year," "Best Promotional Video of a Tourist Destination," and honoring its "Minister of Tourism of the Year: Resurrection." Angolan culture also shone brightly, with kizomba, semba, and kuduro music, alongside vibrant Angolan dance styles, captivating other exhibitors and compelling them to experience the country's rich heritage.

The ITB Berlin 2026, promoted by Messe Berlin, focused on key themes such as digitalization, sustainability, and the international expansion of the ITB network into emerging markets. Celebrating its 60th anniversary with the motto "Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy," this edition hosted over five thousand exhibitors from more than 170 countries. The event underscored the theme "Leading tourism towards balance," emphasizing the critical roles of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future of travel in shaping the global tourism landscape.