Africa’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest United Nations data.
In 2024, the continent recorded a 7% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, the year before COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted global travel. Compared to 2023, Africa welcomed 12% more visitors, with North Africa leading the growth at 22% above 2019 levels, as revealed by the UN World Tourism Barometer.
The recovery mirrors a broader global trend, with international tourism reaching 99% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024, equating to 1.4 billion tourists worldwide.
Africa’s diverse attractions, from wildlife parks and cultural heritage to sandy beaches, continue to draw international visitors. Morocco experienced a record-breaking 2023, welcoming 14 million tourists. The country now targets 17.5 million visitors by 2026 and 26 million by 2030 as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup.
Kenya also saw a significant boost, with tourism revenue rising nearly a third in 2023, attracting 1.95 million visitors. While the country aimed for 2.4 million tourists in 2024, the achievement of this target remains unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, countries like Zimbabwe have expanded their tourism offerings to cater to local audiences, further diversifying the sector’s reach.