9 African countries driving tourism growth with reforms, investments
These African countries are revitalizing tourism across their respective regions through sweeping reforms, ranging from strategic airline expansions and upgraded airport infrastructure to rising hotel occupancy and progressive visa policies.
Following years of pandemic-related disruptions and evolving global travel trends, a new wave of investments and regulatory changes is breathing fresh life into the continent's travel and hospitality industries.
According to TTW, a leading tourism platform, these countries are not only drawing record numbers of visitors with easier visa access and expanded flight networks, but also championing the push for a unified African visa to streamline cross-border travel.
Together, they are leading a coordinated effort to make Africa more connected, accessible, and competitive, transforming the continent into a rising force in global tourism.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa experienced a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, welcoming 74 million international visitors. This marks a 7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a 12% rise over 2023,
FurtherAfrica reports that the surge in tourist arrivals has positively impacted Africa's economy, with international tourism revenues reaching $1.6 trillion in 2024.
This reflects a 3% increase from 2023 and a 4% rise compared to 2019, after adjusting for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, highlighting the sector's growing contribution to the continent's economic recovery.
Africa's tourism drivers
According to TTW's recent report, the following nine countries in no particular order, are at the forefront of Africa's tourism drive in the first half of 2025.
No. Country Key tourism drivers
1 Kenya New Routes, Visa-Free Access and Expanded Hotel Standards
2 Senegal Direct US Flights, Hotel Growth and Simplified Entry
3 South Africa Domestic Travel, Airport Infrastructure and Backs Digital Visa Innovation
4 Ghana African Visa-Free Entry and Airport Growth While Expanding Hospitality Offerings
5 Rwanda Leads Eco-Tourism and Gorilla Trekking with Airport Expansion and Unified Visa Advocacy
6 Mauritius Attracts Long-Term Visitors with Premium Visas, Rising Hotel Demand and Island Upgrades
7 Seychelles Balances Visa-Free Access and Sustainable Tourism with Expanding Air Connectivity
8 Cabo Verde New Tourism Highs with European Air Links, Island Airport Revamps and Hotel Demand
9 Ethiopia Ambitious Tourism Goals with Africa's Largest Airport Project and Digital Visa Rollout
Africa's tourism industry is getting a boost as these countries are investing in infrastructure, expanding airline connections, increasing hotel capacity, and introducing policies like visa waivers and digital systems to make travel easier.
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