Figures from UN Tourism’s latest World Tourism Barometer indicate a “virtual recovery of pre-pandemic levels” as the African continent welcomed 7% more arrivals in 2024 than in 2019.
United Nations (UN) Tourism estimates that 1.4 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2024, representing an 11% increase compared to 2023. The African continent, in particular, welcomed 12% more arrivals during the same period.
“In 2024, global tourism completed its recovery from the pandemic and, in many places, tourist arrival and specially earnings are already higher than in 2019,” UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector–which includes its direct, indirect, and induced impacts–accounted for 10.4% of global GDP or $10.3 trillion.
In 2023, it reportedly contributed 9.1% to global GDP; an increase of 23.2% from 2022.
In April, WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson, said, “The future is very bright. We can predict a record-breaking 2024. The sector’s global economic contribution is set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion, which will generate one in every ten dollars worldwide. The sector is also expected to support nearly 348 million jobs, an increase of 13.6 million jobs on its 2019 record”.
North Africa saw 22% more international arrivals than pre-pandemic numbers with Morocco recording a 35% increase since 2019. The nation surpassed Egypt, with a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024, reportedly meeting the target in its roadmap ahead of schedule.
The country’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor was quoted as saying that the performance was “as the result of targeted investment by our government in this sector, which is vital to our country’s economy, and of the constant mobilization of professionals in the sector”.
Morocco is set to host the African Cup of Nations in 2025, further bolstering its growth prospects.
Egypt, according to UN Tourism, recorded a 23% increase in arrivals compared to 2019, followed by Kenya and Tunisia, both on 9%. The Seychelles saw an 8% decrease while South Africa saw a 13% decrease.
Statista indicates that the travel and tourism market in Africa is projected to reach revenue of $25.16 billion by 2025.
However, UN Tourism cautioned that higher transport and accommodation costs, economic factors and geopolitical risks remain the three main challenges that international tourism will face this year.
“Growth is expected to continue throughout 2025, driven by strong demand contributing to the socio-economic development of both mature and emerging destinations,” said Pololikashvili.
“This recalls our immense responsibility as a sector to accelerate transformation, placing people and planet at the center of the development of tourism.”
Sourced from: ForbesAfrica
