According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals reached 307 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 6 million from the same period in 2025. Africa saw a 13% increase in arrivals compared to Q1 2025, driven by strong demand for both leisure and business travel.
The top six African destinations attracting international tourists in 2026 are Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Morocco welcomed over 3.5 million tourists in Q1 2026, a 15% rise year-on-year, boosted by improved air connectivity and visa facilitation. Egypt recorded 2.9 million arrivals, with its Red Sea resorts and cultural heritage sites remaining key draws.
South Africa attracted 2.1 million tourists in Q1 2026, up 11% from 2025, supported by easing travel restrictions and marketing campaigns. Tunisia saw 1.8 million arrivals, benefiting from political stability and beach tourism. Kenya and Tanzania each reported over 1 million arrivals, with wildlife safaris and coastal tourism driving growth.
The UNWTO notes that Africa's tourism recovery is outpacing the global average, with intra-African travel and long-haul markets from Europe and the Middle East contributing significantly. However, challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps and climate change impacts on coastal areas.
