Africa tourism grew 8% to 81 million visitors in 2024 Nairobi, Kenya — Africa received 81 million international visitors in 2024, an 8 percent rise over 2023, according to figures released 21 January by United Nations Tourism. Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and South Africa led the rebound. Morocco recorded a 14 percent increase in arrivals and a 19 percent jump in export earnings from tourism, while Egypt’s visitor numbers rose 20 percent and South Africa’s 19 percent, the first World Tourism Barometer of the year shows.
The continent’s growth outpaced the global average of roughly 7 percent and lifted African arrivals above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Industry sources attribute the gains to expanded air routes, simplified visas in countries such as Kenya and Rwanda, and competitive exchange rates that drew European travellers. Worldwide, tourism set a new record of 1.
52 billion international arrivals in 2024, with global receipts reaching USD 1. 9 trillion, 5 percent higher than in 2023. Europe remained the top region at almost 800 million arrivals, while Asia-Pacific climbed to 331 million, 91 percent of its 2019 total.
United Nations Tourism predicts the upswing will extend into 2026, helped by the Winter Olympics in Italy and the jointly hosted football World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The agency notes, however, that geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts could still disrupt travel patterns. Further details are expected when the full barometer is published.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
