PHOTO A hidden tourist gem wants to make its place on the world map with the help of AI: “Here, we enjoy life”
A southern African country wants to diversify its economy through tourism, using artificial intelligence. The plan was unveiled in Berlin at the world's biggest travel fair.
From pristine beaches to safari parks and one of Africa's largest waterfalls, Angola is positioning itself as a tourist destination on the rise, according to EuroNews.com, which reported on what happened at ITB Berlin 2026 in March, where the country participated as the official host.
Angola started its participation with an event dedicated to investors from Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. “If you are at ITB, you are at the center of a platform that decides the fate of world tourism,” explained Tourism Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel.
He emphasized the need for promotion: “We want to promote our country, because we are aware that no one visits a place they do not know.”
Tourism is considered a “key pillar” for the diversification of Angola's economy. Currently, oil and gas account for about 20% of the country's GDP, which is why the authorities are looking for other sectors to accelerate economic growth.
“We believe that tourism is so special at the moment that Angola is trying to take the country to the next level of social and economic development,” said José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination.
From the oldest desert in the world to gigantic waterfalls
The state has a coastline of 1,650 kilometers with “virgin beaches” and national parks for safaris. On the territory of the country there is the Namib Desert, considered the oldest in the world, and the Kalandula Waterfall.
“It doesn't matter where you go, north, south, east or west, it's a country blessed with many natural and national beauties,” Lima Massano told EuroNews.com.
Beyond natural resources, culture and people define the destination. Lima Massano explained that visitors must be prepared to engage in a welcoming society.
“In Angola, we enjoy life,” he said. “When you're there, you have to be open to it, to the music, the gastronomy, the culture of the country. Be ready to get involved, be ready to separate. Because we're a welcoming country. It's like we're a big family.”
Tourism Minister Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel added that the destination remains “very untouched and unexplored”, offering visitors the opportunity to feel “the rhythm of life itself”.
From local tribes to AI data
Angola is a suitable destination for adventurous travelers who can immerse themselves in the culture of the local tribes. “This makes the experience truly unique,” explained the tourism minister.
At the same time, the country plans to expand its audience by developing eco-resorts and family-friendly hotels. Although the sector is expanding, the authorities are pursuing a responsible tourism model focused on high-quality services.
“We have a strategy of not doing mass tourism, because we want to preserve nature,” said the Minister of Tourism. In this process, artificial intelligence will play a key role by monitoring tourism data to respond more effectively to visitors' needs.
