Trends shaping African tourism in 2025

23-01-25

Tourism in Africa has experienced a remarkable recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the UN World Tourism Barometer, in 2024 the continent recorded a 7% increase in arrivals compared to 2019, and 12% more than in 2023, reaching 74 million tourists. Globally, international arrivals are expected to grow by 3% to 5% in 2025, provided conditions remain favorable, inflation decreases and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 12.4% increase in passenger demand in Africa during November 2024, compared to the same month last year. African airlines increased capacity by 6%, and the average occupancy factor rose 4.1 percentage points to 72.9%. Despite this growth, Africa accounted for only 2.1% of the global air passenger travel market in November 2024.

Domestic routes such as Cape Town-Johannesburg and Durban-Johannesburg were the busiest, with over five million and three million seats respectively. By 2025, regional connectivity is anticipated to improve with new routes. Air Botswana and Airlink will increase capacity between Gaborone and Cape Town from April 1, and Air Botswana will introduce routes from Maun and Kasane to Cape Town. Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, noted that this increased connectivity directly supports the tourism sector, which is critical to job creation and economic development in the province.

Several African countries are making substantial investments in tourism infrastructure. Morocco, which overtook Egypt as the continent's top tourist destination in 2024, plans to increase the capacity of its airports from 38 million to 80 million passengers by 2030. The country will host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

In South Africa, the Airports Company South Africa has earmarked more than R20 billion (€1.03 billion) for improvements at airports across the country. Cape Town International Airport, which will realign its runway and renovate the domestic terminal, is in preparatory stages and expects to start construction in 2026. James Vos, a member of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth, emphasized the importance of these upgrades to handle the growing number of air operations and passenger movements, ensuring that the airport can accommodate future growth and maintain international standards.

Hosting international events in Africa is positioning the continent as a top tourist destination. The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire and collaboration with high-profile events, such as the Miss France pageant, have increased the visibility of African countries on the global stage. These initiatives are part of broader strategies to double visitor numbers and increase tourism's contribution to GDP.

Traveler preferences are evolving, with a growing focus on authentic and sustainable experiences. According to a Condé Nast Traveler article, by 2025, tourists are expected to seek out participatory sporting activities, holistic wellness and unique gastronomic adventures. In addition, there will be an increase in accessible tourism, with more outdoor activities adapted for travelers with disabilities, supported by advances in adaptive equipment. Overnight tourism will also gain popularity to avoid the heat and crowds, offering different perspectives on destinations.

Despite progress, Africa faces challenges such as the need to improve road infrastructure between major cities, increase air connectivity and relax immigration regulations. South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has stressed a commitment to addressing these barriers to foster growth in the sector. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also presents opportunities to facilitate the movement of people and goods, boosting intra-African tourism and stimulating local economies.

In summary, the African tourism outlook for 2025 is promising, with trends reflecting a robust recovery, strategic investments in infrastructure and an adaptation to new traveler preferences. Collaboration between governments, the private sector and local communities will be key to capitalizing on these opportunities and ensuring sustainable tourism growth on the continent.