Tourism in Africa, for a long time, was a secondary sector; however, it is changing fast. A strong post-COVID rebound drives this change. The sector now leads economic growth, investment, and job creation across the continent. Recent data from UN Tourism highlights the progress of Africa's tourism. Africa now leads global tourism recovery and new ideas.
The UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer shows data for the first half of 2025. Africa recorded a 12% increase in international arrivals. This was the highest growth rate worldwide. Geopolitical and economic challenges continued, but the sector remained strong. The continent is recovering and beating expectations.
The recovery began earlier than expected. Africa regained nearly 96% of its pre-pandemic tourism revenues by 2023. This exceeded initial forecasts. Destinations like Tanzania, Mauritius, and Morocco performed better than they did in 2019. The trend accelerated in 2025. The sector is shifting toward sustainable, high-value growth.
Africa's tourism sector is entering a new era. It focuses on long-term integration and creating value. Investments have increased. Over 105 greenfield projects have been launched since 2019. These projects total $6.6 billion and created more than 15,100 direct jobs, per UN Tourism data. This money shows tourism's growing role in national plans. It boosts service exports and diversifies economies.
National successes vary but show great potential. Morocco used its strategic location, open skies policy, and infrastructure investments. The country welcomed a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024. This was a 20% increase from 2023. It added much to the GDP.
Rwanda made tourism its main foreign exchange earner. The country focuses on ecotourism and protecting biodiversity. Rwanda had over 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2024. The sector made up over 10% of GDP.
Cape Town, South Africa, attracted more than 2.4 million visitors in 2024. Tourism supports nearly 10% of the regional GDP there. The area relies on famous natural and cultural sites.
These results come from Africa's unique assets. The continent has unmatched biodiversity, rich culture, clean coastlines, and beautiful scenery. Global travelers want authentic, sustainable experiences. These demands match what the continent offers.
Tourism creates strong economic effects. It produces millions of direct and indirect jobs. Several million more jobs will appear by the end of the decade. Investments in local supply chains must continue. Infrastructure has improved. Air travel, transport, and hotels are better. New products include MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions), cultural tours, and ecotourism. These changes drive growth and regional integration.
But challenges remain for Africa's tourism. Profits are not shared evenly. International operators dominate luxury segments, and this limits local gains. Many jobs are low-skilled and low-wage. This worsens social tensions in some areas. Structural problems hurt competitiveness. These include poor infrastructure, limited travel connections, and digital gaps.
These obstacles offer chances for change because the world currently values sustainability and inclusion. Africa can lead with responsible models. These models will include local economies, build strength, and drive fair development. The continent has post-pandemic momentum, and it can change global tourism for the better.
Everyone is driving for a better infrastructure which includes roads and access. As much as this is understandable from the local point of view I see this developpment controversial. Perfect paved roads (except of course those in cities - where they are needed) and an easy access to nature sights will drive mass tourism which at some point later will strike back. Africas very special appeal is that it is authentic, remote and wild. Dusty sand tracks and limited travel connections, will keep Africa as a valuable destination for future visitors to come, who might not do so if they face a car queue entering Ngorongoro or being in one of 30 cars around one lion sighting.