Title: Tourism politics and mobilities: re-imagining equality and inclusion in Southern and West Africa's urban tourism governance

Authors: Regis Musavengane; Llewellyn Leonard; Pius Siakwah

Addresses: Centre of Excellence for Adaptation and Resilience, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Calabash Building, Cnr Christian de Wet and Pioneer Street, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa ' Centre of Excellence for Adaptation and Resilience, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Calabash Building, Cnr Christian de Wet and Pioneer Street, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa ' Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Centre of Excellence for Adaptation and Resilience, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), 1709, South Africa

Abstract: This paper analyses how politics and poverty shape urban tourism governance in selected Southern and West African cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on Accra (Ghana), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Johannesburg (South Africa). It examines the interplay between these factors, illustrating their impact on social inclusion, mobility, and economic recovery. Through document analysis, the study highlights how political decisions influenced urban tourism and restricted the participation of marginalised communities. The paper argues that politics significantly affected the unfolding of urban development and good governance strategies aimed at combating the pandemic. It also underscores that poverty profoundly influences how individuals respond to COVID-19 control measures, as those in lower socioeconomic situations struggle to meet their basic needs. In the post-pandemic recovery phase, governments must stimulate tourism by incorporating the voices of all stakeholders in the sector, both formal and informal.

Keywords: tourism politics; mobilities; COVID-19; Southern and West African cities; urban tourism; Accra; Johannesburg; Harare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2025.147447

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2025 Vol.15 No.3, pp.252 - 274

Received: 16 Jul 2024
Accepted: 23 Feb 2025
Published online: 15 Jul 2025 *

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