SYPALA: Tourism is an economic tool, not just recreation – Princess Mohammed

‎‎Tourism Growth and Destination Development Advisor, Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim, admonishes that, tourism should be viewed as a major economic driver capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, and generating revenue rather than merely a recreational activity.
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‎Speaking at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) 2026, on August 26, Princess Umul explained that, tourism has the potential to transform local communities and national economies when supported by the right policies and infrastructure.

She had a conversation on “Infrastructure, Roads and Access: The Missing Link in Africa’s Tourism Economy.”
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‎SYPALA which stands for the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy, is an annual educational program run by the IMANI Center for Policy and Education.
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‎“Tourism is an economy. Tourism employs a lot of people. Tourism can contribute significantly to our economy,” she said.
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‎According to her, tourism creates opportunities across several sectors, including transportation, accommodation, food services, entertainment, and retail businesses.
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‎She noted that every tourist visit generates economic activity through spending on travel, lodging, food, and other services, creating employment opportunities for local residents.
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‎The tourism advocate said many African countries possess abundant tourism resources, including cultural festivals, natural attractions, wildlife reserves, lakes, and unique cuisines, but have not fully harnessed their economic value.
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‎“We have festivals, we have the Okavango Delta, we have Lake Malawi, we have all these places, we have food. But how are we commercializing all of these assets to ensure that economies grow and become resilient?” she asked.
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‎From her perspective, destinations that are easier to reach naturally attract more tourists and investment, while poorly connected areas struggle to realize their tourism potential.
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‎“And the reverse is also true: poor access, fewer tourists, less investment, poor infrastructure, poor access,” she said.
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‎“And the reverse is also true: poor access, fewer tourists, less investment, poor infrastructure, poor access,” she added.
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‎She stressed that governments must take the lead in developing infrastructure that supports tourism growth while encouraging private sector investment.
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‎She noted that, investors may be willing to establish hotels and tourism facilities, but governments must provide roads and other essential infrastructure to make destinations accessible.