Angola launches Convention Bureau as business travel fuels tourism growth

Tim Henshall
1 day ago
4 min read

Angola has officially launched the Angola Convention Bureau (ACB), marking a major milestone in the country’s ambition to position itself as one of Africa’s emerging destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

Officially inaugurated on 6^th May at the Talatona Convention Centre in Luanda, the launch brought together around 400 delegates from government, tourism, aviation, hospitality and the international events industry, including senior ministers, investors, tourism stakeholders and international partners.

The launch also welcomed Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), underlining Angola’s growing international ambitions within the global meetings and events sector. Held under the theme “Meet in Angola – The Meeting Room in Africa”, the initiative forms part of Angola’s wider strategy to diversify its economy through tourism, international investment and business travel.

The move comes at a significant moment for Angola’s tourism sector. In 2025, the country welcomed 223,140 international visitors, an increase of 27.9% year-on-year, with business travel arrivals reaching 59,750, surpassing leisure arrivals at 52,072. The figures highlight Angola’s growing role as a regional business and investment hub, while also reinforcing the opportunity to convert corporate travellers into wider tourism growth.

Tourism as a driver of economic diversification

Opening the event, José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination, described the Angola Convention Bureau as an important instrument for positioning Angola competitively within the international events market. He highlighted the country’s progress in economic diversification, growth in the non-oil sector and tourism’s increasing role as a strategic pillar of development, supported by measures including visa exemptions for more than 100 countries and continued investment in tourism infrastructure and connectivity.

Meanwhile, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, positioned the ACB as a platform designed not only to attract international conferences and corporate events, but also to generate employment, investment and global visibility for Angola.

“Angola is prepared to host events of international scale,” he said. “The launch of the Angola Convention Bureau represents an important step in strengthening our international positioning and showcasing Angola as a modern and competitive destination for business tourism in Africa.”

Angola targeting the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel

Alongside traditional MICE tourism, Angola is also seeking to position itself within the growing global trend of ‘bleisure’ travel, where business travellers extend trips for leisure and cultural experiences. From the Atlantic coastline and vibrant energy of Luanda to the dramatic landscapes of Namibe, Iona National Park and Kalandula Falls, Angola is increasingly promoting itself as a destination where business travel can be combined with authentic exploration.

“Today’s business travellers are looking for more than conference facilities alone,” said Julia Kleber, CEO of the KLEBER GROUP, which manages Angola’s international tourism representation and supported the development of the ACB.

“Angola offers something genuinely different: modern infrastructure combined with one of Africa’s most undiscovered and culturally rich destinations. There is a real opportunity to position Angola at the intersection of business travel and meaningful travel experiences.”

Building Angola’s international events infrastructure

The launch of the ACB comes amid significant investment in tourism and transport infrastructure designed to strengthen Angola’s position as a regional hub for international events.

Developments include:

The new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, with capacity for up to 15 million passengers annually
Expanding international air connectivity through airlines including Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
The future Luanda Conference Centre, opening in 2026 with capacity for up to 3,000 delegates
Continued investment in internationally branded hotels, hospitality and tourism services

During the event, panel discussions explored the future of the global MICE industry, the economic impact of international events and Angola’s long-term positioning within the African meetings sector. Speakers included representatives from ICCA, AIPEX, the hospitality sector, tourism operators and event specialists, who highlighted the wider economic impact of business tourism across accommodation, transport, food services and investment attraction.

During the ceremony, the Ministry of Tourism also awarded certificates of intent to join the Angola Convention Bureau under the “Meet in Angola” initiative, bringing together organisations from the transport, hospitality, catering and event sectors as part of the development of Angola’s emerging MICE ecosystem.

Angola’s next tourism chapter

As Angola continues opening to international tourism markets, the MICE sector is increasingly viewed as a gateway to introducing global audiences to the country. The strategy aligns with Angola’s broader tourism vision under the destination brand “The Rhythm of Life”, which positions the country as one of Africa’s last great undiscovered destinations. With growing international awareness, major infrastructure investment and increasing business arrivals, Angola is positioning itself not only as a place to do business, but as one of Africa’s next emerging destinations to explore.

For further information visit: www.meet-angola.com www.angolatourism.com

Link to ACB event images here

Link to Tourism Images here

About Angola

Angola is Africa's magnificent secret, a country of jaw-dropping contrasts and untamed beauty in the heart of Southern Africa. As the continent's sixth-largest nation, Angola dazzles with landscapes that shift from lush rainforests to dramatic desert expanses, from thundering waterfalls to 1,600 kilometres of pristine Atlantic coastline. This is a land shaped by powerful kingdoms and complex history, where the ancient Kingdom of Congo once held sway and Portuguese colonial influence left an indelible mark. The capital, Luanda, is a dynamic Atlantic gateway where African vitality, Portuguese heritage, and indigenous traditions create an intoxicating urban energy. Here, the music never stops - semba, kizomba, and kuduro provide the soundtrack to a city that's cosmopolitan, creative, and utterly captivating. With its rallying cry "Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life," the destination calls to explorers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers who refuse to follow the crowd. For those who want to experience Africa as few have seen it - raw, authentic, and profoundly moving - Angola represents truly virgin territory. This is where the real adventure begins.