Africa records strongest tourism growth in January–September 2025
Globally, international tourist arrivals rose 5% in January–September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024 and stood 3% above 2019, according to UN Tourism. Africa led all regions with a 10% increase, driven by double‑digit gains in North Africa (+11%) and Sub‑Saharan Africa (+10%), highlighting the continent’s resilience amid higher travel costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
Standout African destinations included Egypt (+21%), Ethiopia (+18%), South Africa (+17%) and Morocco (+14%), all exceeding 2019 levels. Wider indicators also remained supportive – international air traffic grew 7% in the period and global hotel occupancy reached 68% in September – while receipts strengthened in key markets such as Egypt and Morocco. UN Tourism says results are on track to meet 2025 growth projections of 3% to 5%, though elevated prices and external risks could temper demand.
Source: UN Tourism
