Africa’s tourism sector recorded notable growth in 2025, as international travel worldwide surged to unprecedented levels, according to the latest data released by the United Nations tourism agency.
A report published on 21 January 2026 shows that international tourist arrivals to Africa increased by 8% in 2025, with the continent welcoming an estimated 81 million visitors. The growth places Africa among regions benefiting from the strong global rebound in travel following years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report, part of the UN World Tourism Barometer, highlights that several African destinations played a key role in driving this increase. Countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa recorded strong visitor numbers, supported by improved air connectivity, relaxed travel restrictions, and renewed interest in cultural, heritage, and leisure tourism across the continent.
Globally, tourism reached a historic milestone in 2025, with approximately 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024. This marks the highest level of global travel ever recorded, signaling a full recovery and renewed confidence in international tourism.
Tourism revenues also reflected this upward trend. Global tourism receipts rose to an estimated $1.9 trillion, up 5% from the previous year, underscoring the sector’s critical role in economic growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings for many countries, including those across Africa.
Despite the positive outlook, the UN tourism body cautioned that challenges such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and rising travel costs could affect growth in 2026. However, sustained demand, evolving visa policies, and continued investment in tourism infrastructure are expected to support further expansion.
The latest figures reaffirm Africa’s growing position in the global tourism landscape, highlighting the continent’s resilience and increasing appeal to international travelers. As countries continue to strengthen tourism development strategies, Africa’s travel industry is poised to build on this momentum in the years ahead.
