Luanda, Feb. 3, 2026 (Lusa) - The Angolan government has approved a maritime and cruise tourism development programme that aims to attract up to 4,000 visitors in 2027 and generate $50.4 million (€42.7 million) in revenue between 2025 and 2027.
According to a presidential decree accessed by Lusa, the Angolan government projects gradual growth in the number of visitors, with 2,500 tourists in the 2025-2026 season, 3,000 in 2026-2027, and 4,000 in 2027, with total revenues of over $50 million in this period.
The financial projections are based on an average daily expenditure of $90 per visitor (€76), assuming that 70% of passengers disembark at national ports and spend money on land, particularly in restaurants, shops, excursions, and cultural activities.
Between 2013 and 2025, Angola received 35 cruise ships and a total of 20,908 visitors, with an average of five ships per year, data that serves as the basis for the targets set for the period 2025-2027, in which the government intends to consolidate the country as an emerging maritime tourism destination in Africa.
The programme, valued at 5.3 billion kwanzas (€5.0 million), also aims to increase tourism's contribution to gross domestic product from 0.64% in 2022 to 0.87% in 2027, with a target of 2.5% in 2030, as part of the economic diversification strategy.
The strategy is based on four strategic axes, notably the strengthening of port infrastructure and logistics, including the rehabilitation and adaptation of the ports of Luanda, Lobito, and Namibe to receive cruise ships, as well as support services, access, and connections to the main tourist attractions.
The second axis focuses on the qualification and diversification of tourism offerings, supporting the development of cultural, historical, and natural itineraries, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises linked to handicrafts, catering, and tourist entertainment, with the aim of increasing visitors' length of stay and expenditure.
International promotion and partnerships are the third axis, including Angola's participation in specialised international trade fairs in the sector and promotional activities targeting operators and cruise companies.
The fourth axis focuses on passenger safety, hospitality, and experience, including measures to simplify visa processes, strengthen port and tourist security, and align with international sector standards.
The government estimates that the implementation of the programme will create 6,955 temporary jobs by 2027, representing a 79.5% increase compared to the period 2022 to 2025, with direct and indirect impacts on hotels, restaurants, transport, trade, and cultural activities, especially in port cities.
According to the decree, maritime and cruise tourism is seen as a tool to boost local economies, increase tax and port revenues and position Angola as a competitive destination in the international cruise market, in line with the 2023-2027 National Development Plan and the Angola 2050 strategy.
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