Luxury tourism in Africa often fails to benefit locals, new research shows
Africa efforts by some nations to attract luxury tourism have yielded limited benefits for local communities, reports news agency Reuters. This is demonstrated in a new research by the University of Manchester saying that it often causes more harm than good.
Rising business and leisure travel on the continent has made it increasingly attractive for multinational companies. Airlines have also increased their African capacity, and in some nations that momentum is translating into economic impact.
Many African governments are targeting luxury tourism development. They describe it as “high-value, low-impact.” However, the research – published in African Studies Review – has found that is not always the case.
All-inclusive resorts are often cut off from local life, hire few local workers. They also keep tourists from spending in nearby communities by providing everything on-site, it said.
The research added the most profitable eco-lodges were foreign-owned. Much of the tourist spending flowing to overseas travel agencies, food imports or profits repatriated abroad.
It also argued luxury tourism deepens inequality. Profits keep indeed concentrated among foreign operators. Or go to a small local elite while wages for most tourism jobs remain low.
Protests emerging
The issue is regularly fueling tensions on the ground reports Reuters. Just last week, a local activist filed a lawsuit seeking to block the opening of a new Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. The luxury retreat boasts plunge pools and personalised butler service, in Kenya‘s Maasai Mara reserve.
The dispute is the latest flashpoint in East Africa’s grasslands. The fight involves luxury tourism and Maasai herders who say the sector’s development is harming their habitats and ways of life.
In Kenya, locals also complained about what they say are land grabs by wealthy investors. In Tanzania, protests against the eviction of tens of thousands of Maasai to make way for hunting lodges have led to deadly clashes with police.
(Source: Reuters)
Related News Stories: Las Vegas Sands breaks ground on new Singapore luxury resort Jamaica Tourist Board Accepted into Global Luxury Travel Group ... Affordable Luxury Travel rebrands to Luxtripper Active Travel Group acquires luxury inbound operator Embratur launches Brazil tourism industry data newsletter Orient Express expands beyond rails to luxury hotels and yachts Brazil tourism taps TikTok for tourism promotion resources TravelMole TBO launches Platinum Collection luxury hotel portfolio Hyatt will add in Asia-Pacific 90 luxury & lifestyle hotels
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt