Alterra Capital Partners has made a strategic investment in ARP Africa Travel Group to enhance its expansion efforts throughout East Africa, leveraging the company's strong market position and growth potential.

Information on the Target

ARP Africa Travel Group (ARP Africa) is a premier provider of destination management services across East Africa, encompassing Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Limited in Kenya, Ranger Safaris Limited in Tanzania, and ARP Africa Travel in the United Kingdom. Established in 1978 in Tanzania, ARP Africa has garnered a reputation for exceptional service delivery and extensive local expertise in key tourism markets. The company collaborates with over 600 international travel agents, facilitating upwards of 100,000 travel experiences for global visitors to East Africa each year.

Industry Overview in East Africa

The tourism sector plays a vital role in East Africa's economy, significantly impacting both GDP and employment rates. In 2023, tourism contributed approximately 10% to the East African GDP and provided direct employment to over 5 million people across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. The sector is recognized not only for its economic contributions but also for its importance in promoting cultural exchange and conservation efforts.

Following the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector in East Africa has shown considerable recovery. In 2023, tourism receipts surged to around $8 billion, representing a 30%