The African continent recorded 67 million tourist arrivals in 2018 according to figures released this week by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). That’s an increase of 7% compared to 2017 data.
According to the world body, this rate varies according to regions: for example, growth is 10% in North Africa and 6% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The same source indicates that the global total of international tourist arrivals is estimated at 1.4 billion in 2018. This is the second highest growth rate since 2010.
As a reminder, the UNWTO long-term outlook study published in 2010 forecast the level of 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in 2020. “However, growth has accelerated in recent years, under the effect of greater economic expansion, more affordable air fares, technological changes, new patterns of economic activity and progress in visa facilitation around the world, “says organization.
“Tourism growth in recent years confirms that the sector is today one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth and development. It is incumbent on us to manage this growth in a sustainable way and to convert it into concrete benefits for all countries, especially for all local populations, through job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities, without leaving “,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
