In 2024, Africa’s tourism industry showed signs of robustness and dynamism, recovering from the challenges of the pandemic. Latest data indicates remarkable growth in several regions of the continent. International visitor arrivals increased significantly, with destinations such as Kenya experiencing spectacular tourism growth in the first six months of 2024, with revenues reaching Ksh142.5 billion. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, the country welcomed 1,027,630 international visitors, an increase of 21.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Domestic tourism also saw a boom, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, up 10% from the previous year.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, currently at capacity due to the wildebeest migration, continues to attract visitors. In response to this growing demand, the Kenya Tourism Board is planning to launch a second phase of the Tembea Kenya campaign to further boost domestic tourism. Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga recently highlighted the impo
rtance of conservation and sustainable tourism practices, highlighting efforts to train reserve rangers and support ecotourism.
Morocco and South Africa also saw significant influxes of tourists, reinforcing their status as top destinations in Africa.
Tourist arrivals in Morocco reached a new record of ten million people by the end of July 2024, up 15% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) attached to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The air transport sector closed the first seven months of 2024 with a record figure of 18.1 million passengers, up 18.5% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the same source.
Rise of sustainable tourism and unique cultural experiences
The rise of sustainable tourism and unique cultural experiences has driven this recovery, as African countries continue to invest in infrastructure and conservation to attract more visitors. Botswana, with its new eco-camps in the Okavango Delta
, and Tanzania, with its safaris in the Serengeti, have attracted travellers seeking unique adventures and respect for the environment. Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago has also offered exceptional cultural experiences with traditional sailing boats, adding a cultural dimension to the tourism offering.
The sector has also benefited from strong influx into major cultural cities such as Cairo and Giza, which continue to attract visitors thanks to their historical riches and new tourist infrastructure.
Promise of continued growth for African tourism industry
Overall, the 2024 summer season illustrated the resilience and vitality of tourism in Africa, with increased arrivals, a diversification of offerings, and a growing focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. This positive trend demonstrates a strong recovery from past disruptions and a promise of continued growth for the African tourism industry.
Source: Africa News Agency