Published on
December 25, 2025
Angola has unveiled a new 5% tourism tax aimed at international visitors staying in the country’s accommodations, marking a strategic move to boost the tourism sector’s growth. This tax will apply to stays of up to seven days and is expected to generate significant revenue for the country’s expanding tourism infrastructure. The initiative aligns with Angola’s broader efforts to enhance its appeal as a destination for global events and cruise tourism, leveraging recent investments in major infrastructure like the António Agostinho Neto International Airport and new conference facilities. Through these measures, Angola aims to strengthen its position on the regional and global tourism map, attracting both business events and leisure travelers.
The Angolan government is set to introduce a new tourism tax aimed at international visitors. This tax will charge 5% of the daily rate paid by tourists for accommodation at hotels, lodges, and other tourist establishments, with the tax applying to stays of up to seven days.
The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting, where six key legal documents were reviewed to support the government’s broader efforts to streamline tourism processes through its Simplifica Turismo program. This initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles in public administration, making it easier for tourists and businesses alike to navigate the system.
One of the primary components of the meeting was the draft bill that would authorize the creation of the Special Contribution for Tourism, which includes the introduction of the tourism tax. Under this plan, international tourists who stay in Angola’s tourist accommodations will pay a 5% tax on their daily lodging rate, with the limit being set to seven days. The measure is designed to generate additional revenue for the country’s tourism sector, which has been seeing investments and developments aimed at boosting its global standing.
The tourism minister emphasized that this new tax would mark a pivotal change in the way Angola finances its tourism industry. This structural move is expected to revolutionize how the country manages and sustains tourism-related finances. According to the minister, the tax will apply only to international tourists who stay in accommodation facilities such as hotels, resorts, and lodges. For visitors staying longer than seven days, the tax will not apply beyond the week-long period.
In addition to the new tax measures, the cabinet also approved a proposal for the creation of an Events Tourism Strategy. This plan is designed to capitalize on the major investments Angola has made in infrastructure in recent years. The government is particularly focused on enhancing the country’s capacity to host large-scale events, both regionally and internationally.
A central element of this strategy involves leveraging the recently opened António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) and the ongoing construction of a new convention and conference center in the Chicala area. These developments are expected to increase Angola’s ability to attract high-profile events and conferences. The government aims to fill the newly built conference spaces with a steady stream of public and private events. To facilitate this, the government is proposing the establishment of a Convention Bureau under the Ministry of Tourism. This new agency will be tasked with promoting Angola as a prime destination for business events, conferences, and exhibitions.
As the country looks to grow its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, the minister noted the importance of ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure remains active and engaged. This Bureau is seen as crucial for achieving that goal. The minister pointed out that countries like South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco have made significant strides in attracting international events and have established themselves as regional leaders in the MICE sector.
Furthermore, the Angolan government approved the development of maritime tourism, with an emphasis on cruise ship tourism. Angola’s ports, including those in Luanda, Namibe, and Lobito, are well-positioned to handle cruise ships. By expanding its maritime tourism sector, Angola aims to draw more cruise lines to its coastline, capitalizing on the country’s untapped potential.
The government’s strategy seeks to highlight Angola’s capabilities in terms of port infrastructure and its many natural and cultural attractions, positioning the country as a prime destination for cruise tourism. The minister pointed out that other African ports, such as Walvis Bay in Namibia and Cape Town in South Africa, already attract significant cruise traffic. Angola aims to capture a larger share of this growing market.
Through these concerted efforts, the government is setting its sights on transforming Angola into a more competitive player in the regional and global tourism market. With the introduction of the tourism tax, development of infrastructure, and promotion of Angola as a destination for both events and cruise tourism, the country is poised to see significant growth in its tourism industry in the coming years.
