Home » Africa » How U.S. Travel Warning for Guinea-Bissau Impacts Global Tourism Industry
Thursday, August 1, 2024
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Guinea-Bissau has seen a significant increase in international tourism, reaching 52,400 in 2019 from just 5,000 in 2005. This growth marks a significant expansion of the country’s tourism sector over the past 15 years. However, recent travel advisories from the United States have significantly reduced the number of American tourists visiting the country. These advisories, highlighting civil unrest and crime, may have deterred many potential tourists despite previous upward trends in tourism.
The U.S. State Department currently advises caution when traveling to Guinea-Bissau due to ongoing civil unrest and crime. The lack of a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence or modern medical facilities makes travel even more difficult for American tourists. This lack of infrastructure creates challenges and raises concerns about safety and emergency response capabilities.
While there are no specific statistics on the number of American tourists visiting Guinea-Bissau, it is clear that the number of American tourists visiting the country is low compared to other popular African destinations, a trend that is partly due to Guinea-Bissau’s small size and lack of tourist infrastructure, making it less attractive to American travelers.
The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international tourist numbers expected to fall significantly in 2020 compared to the 52,400 recorded in 2019. The impact of the pandemic has put further pressure on Guinea-Bissau’s tourism industry, further reducing already low visitor numbers.
Overall, while tourism in Guinea-Bissau is growing, the country remains a challenging destination for American travelers. The number of American tourists is expected to be lower than other African countries and will decline further due to the pandemic and safety concerns. Additional data is needed to quantify the number of American visitors over time.
Travel advisory: Take caution in Guinea-Bissau
The US State Department has advised people to reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to ongoing civil unrest and crime in the country, which has been hit by periods of political instability for decades with frequent demonstrations that sometimes turn violent.
Crime is widespread, and foreigners are often targeted by aggressive vendors, beggars, and criminals in crowded places such as Bissau’s airport and the capital’s Bandim market. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly to serious criminal incidents, and with no U.S. embassy in Guinea-Bissau, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. nationals.
For those considering a trip to Guinea-Bissau, we recommend the following:
Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not flaunt symbols of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry. Travel only during daylight hours. Check local media for breaking news and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Have an emergency response plan for leaving the country. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help locate you in an emergency.
U.S. citizens traveling internationally should always have an emergency plan in place in case of an emergency.
Potential impact of US travel advisory on Guinea-Bissau airports
The U.S. travel advisory for Guinea-Bissau highlights concerns about civil unrest and crime and may have affected operations and perceptions at the country’s main airport. Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (also known as Bissau-Bissaranca Airport) serves as the only international gateway into the capital, Bissau, and the surrounding metropolitan area. The advisory may result in reduced numbers of U.S. travelers and international flights, affecting passenger traffic and economic activity at the airport.
Similarly, Bubaque Airport, the only airport serving the Bijagos Archipelago, may have been affected. The advisory highlights security concerns, which may discourage tourists from visiting the island town of Bubaque, resulting in a reduction in air traffic and tourism activity in the area. Bubaque Airport’s limited facilities and services may further discourage American tourists from traveling, as they prioritize destinations with better infrastructure and security.
Overall, the US travel advisory may have led to a reduction in passenger and flight numbers at both Osvaldo Vieira International Airport and Bubaque Airport, a situation that could impact Guinea-Bissau’s tourism industry and pose challenges to the country’s transport and economic growth.