Global tourism reached record levels in 2025, with Africa emerging as one of the standout performers. The continent recorded an 8% increase in international visitors, welcoming 81 million tourists last year.
Key destinations driving growth included Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa, benefiting from more accessible visa policies, expanded air travel networks, and strong demand from major international markets. Morocco, in particular, experienced double-digit growth in both arrivals and tourism revenue, while Egypt and South Africa also posted significant gains.
Worldwide, international travel surged to 1.52 billion trips, generating tourism revenues of $1.9 trillion, despite challenges such as inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
Looking forward, major sporting events and the continued recovery of the sector are expected to sustain momentum. However, authorities and industry players are also mindful of challenges including overtourism and regional tensions, which could impact growth in some destinations.
The strong performance underscores Africa’s growing role as a global travel destination and highlights opportunities for investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural tourism across the continent.
