TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICA: CAN WE RELY ON TIP, ETHNIC TENSION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT?

Abstract

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to analyze the cultural values in Africa on tourism sustainability. This is due to the existence of minimal works in the African context on tourism. Methodology – Adopting the instrumental variable two-stage least square (IV-2SLS) strategy on a panel of 41 African countries within the period 2006-2017, we accustom for potential endogeneity problems with the indicators to explore the theoretical contribution of the study. Findings – Findings show that, African generosity, culture, and social support contribute to the sustainability of the tourism sector in Africa. Implying that, as Africans are more and more supportive, offering tips (time, financial and/or moral help) to strangers/organizations, and the diversity of the African continent in terms of language, nationality, and race strongly contribute to the sustainability of tourism in Africa through a massive annually inflow of tourist. Contribution – Apart from contributing to the sustainable tourism literature, this paper is novel in its scope and methodology alongside its theoretical background. This paper as well indicates the importance of hospitality in the tourism sector of African countries.