Untouched, wild, welcoming: Angola’s hidden tourism gem

The Angolan World Tourism Forum Leaders’ Dinner, organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Angola and the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) in Berlin, started in style with a red carpet rolled out for tourism experts and investors from around the world, including Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

It was a special evening for a special occasion, held on the very first day of the world’s largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin 2026, with Angola as the official host country.

“ITB is considered the Mecca of tourism,” says Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, in an interview with Euronews Travel. “If you are at ITB, you are at the center of a platform that decides tourism in the world.”

Between refined dishes and lively conversations, Daniel explains the issues facing his country.

Angola is not yet a very well-known destination, he explains: “We want to promote our country because we are aware that no one visits a place they don’t know, that’s why we have to make ourselves known to the world.”

Tourism is a “key pillar” for Angola

The southern African nation has ambitious goals. It is working to diversify its economy, with tourism identified as a “key pillar”.

For now, oil and gas represent around 20% of Angola’s GDP. However, the country is seeking to identify other sectors that can help accelerate economic growth, said José de Lima Massano, Angola’s Minister of State for Economic Coordination. Tourism is one of them.

While he came to Berlin to showcase the beauty and potential of Angola, capital mobilization was also a major goal behind organizing the ITB dinner and the World Tourism Forum. “We think tourism is so special right now that Angola is trying to take the country to the next level of social and economic development,” Lima Massano told Euronews.

And the hard work paid off. “In seven years, they have done a lot,” says Bulut Bağcı, president of the World Tourism Forum Institute. According to Bağcı, the World Tourism Forum Leaders’ Dinner organized by Angola constitutes “the basis and platform of creation”, with tourism being one of the country’s priority sectors.

Angola: A heavenly place

Angola has a lot to offer. From safaris to tropical flora, the country is made for adventurers. “This southern African country has 1,650 kilometers of coastline with pristine beaches and national parks where you can go on safaris,” explains Daniel. Additionally, Angola is home to the world’s oldest desert – the Namib Desert – and one of Africa’s largest waterfalls, Kalandula Falls.

Lima Massano also spoke to Euronews about the unique beauty of Angola. “No matter where you go, north, south, east or west, it is a country blessed with many national and natural beauties.”

Yet as breathtaking as the landscape is, what truly defines Angola is its people and their unique culture. Visitors should be prepared not only to observe its beauty, but also to immerse themselves in a warm and welcoming society.

As Lima Massano describes the heart of her culture, her face lights up. “In Angola we enjoy life,” he says. “To be there, you have to be open to that, to the music, to the food, to the culture of the country. Be ready to get involved, be ready to separate yourself. Because we are a welcoming country. It’s like we’re a big family.”

Angola is a country with very dynamic gastronomy and hospitality, adds Daniel. The country offers a truly unique experience. “It’s very untouched and unexplored,” he says. “You can feel the rhythm of life for itself.”

Combining sustainability and responsible tourism

Angola is particularly suited to adventurous travelers. “We can immerse ourselves with the local tribes,” explains Daniel. “It makes the experience simply unique.”

At the same time, the country plans to expand its target audience in the future by developing all-inclusive resorts, hotels and eco-lodges, thereby inviting families to discover the country.

However, although the focus is on the development and expansion of the tourism sector, Angola also wants to act responsibly towards its people and its environment. The country aims to preserve its unique natural beauty by focusing on luxury and high-end tourism. “Our strategy is not to do mass tourism because we want to preserve nature,” explains Daniel.

Improving the tourism sector with the help of AI

This is where artificial intelligence could play a key role, helping Angola reach the visitors it wants to attract. By better understanding the needs of tourists, the country can respond more effectively, explains Lima Massano.

How? AI could help Angora track tourism data. “This is the most important thing,” says Bağcı. Tourism is one of the main pillars of economic infrastructure. “If you want to build your country, you must first focus on tourism. »