Slave heritage tourism: Cashing in on West Africa’s dark past
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse economic sectors in the world. It has the potential to create jobs, stimulate local development, and promote cultural and natural heritage.
The continent's abundant natural riches and the opportunity to further develop its cultural heritage are only two of the many variables that have an impact on the current state of tourism in Africa.
The historical occurrences of the slave trade have a considerable influence on this cultural legacy. Even though it is a shameful episode in human history, the transatlantic slave trade unquestionably influenced the development of Africa's cultural landscape.
Remains from this period have been turned into notable heritage sites in West Africa that encourage tourism. For instance, the Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle in Ghana which were once constructed as trading posts during the slave trade era, now act as somber historical reminders. These locations provide glimpses into the gruesome past by offering guided tours into slave prisons and auction chambers.
Similar to Salaga, a significant slave market in northern Ghana, the Donko Nsuo River near Assin Manso has become an important pilgrimage site.
Île de Gorée, often known as Goree Island, is a popular travel site for people interested in the history of the slave trade in Senegal. These locations not only draw tourists from all over the world but also give descendants of displaced relatives a chance to reconnect with their ancestry.
The "Year of Return" project was started in 2018 by Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of African slaves in America. He urged those of African heritage, especially those of African descent in the United States, to go back to their native continent, particularly Ghana. He said, "We feel it is our duty to extend a hand of welcome back home to Africans in the diaspora."
President Akufo-Addo officially announced this plan in September 2018 in Washington, D.C. It was not just a cry for repatriation but also a calculated attempt to increase tourism in Ghana. The "Year of Return" drew tourists from all over the world and was hailed by President Nana Akufo-Addo as a "huge success." Giving descendants of displaced relatives a chance to reconnect with their ancestry, benefited from tourism while promoting cultural reconnection.
The legacy of colonial tourism in Africa is still evident in many ways today. For instance, Accra, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Zanzibar, some of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, were previously colonial towns or places important to the conquistadors' history. Colonial conservation efforts, which established protected zones for wildlife while prohibiting or limiting human activities, were also responsible for a significant percentage of Africa's natural attractions.
Despite its colonial beginnings, African tourism has undergone tremendous post-colonial change and transformation. After discovering the economic and social advantages of slave heritage tourism, several African nations have invested in developing the industry through laws, legislation, infrastructure, and promotion.
8.5 per cent of Africa's GDP ($194 billion), 6.3 per cent of its exports ($69 billion), and 5.3 per cent of its investments ($29 billion) were all attributed to tourism in 2018, according to the World Bank. This amounted to 24 million jobs both directly and indirectly.
However, severe challenges and risks also pose a threat to the inclusion and sustainability of African tourism in general. Some of these problems are pandemics, political upheaval, security dangers, and global economic crises.
In 2022, it is estimated that African countries hosted 5.1 million foreign tourists, according to research by Statista. This was an increase from 3.6 million in 2021, although it was still less than the 69 million pre-pandemic level in 2019.
