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.