Africa leads world tourism growth in early 2025, UN reports
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Africa saw a 12% rise in tourist arrivals in early 2025, led by Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, as UN data shows the continent outpacing global tourism growth.
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In this Sunday, February 2, 2014, file photo, a kite surfer surfs against the backdrop of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa (AP)
Africa recorded the strongest rise in international tourism worldwide during the first half of 2025, according to a new United Nations report, with arrivals up 12% from the same period last year.
The UN Tourism report found that North Africa led the surge, registering a 14% increase, while Sub-Saharan Africa climbed 11%, marking one of the continent’s best performances since before the pandemic. The findings come despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said the results highlight the sector’s resilience and its contribution to jobs and local economies. “The first half of 2025 brought growing arrival numbers and revenues for most destinations around the world,” he said. “Yet this also reminds us of our great responsibility to ensure this growth is sustainable and inclusive.”
Top destinations fuel rebound
Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa continue to attract the largest numbers of overseas visitors. Morocco reported a 19% increase, buoyed by the popularity of Marrakech and Fez, while South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Cape Town remain major draws for safari and adventure travellers.
Improved flight connectivity, relaxed visa requirements, and heavy investment in airports, hotels, and other infrastructure are also driving growth. Airlines have added more direct routes from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, reducing travel time and expanding access to key destinations.
A rise in intra-African travel is further supporting the sector, as more residents explore neighbouring countries for leisure and business. This growing regional movement is strengthening economic links and nurturing local tourism industries.
