New data in the UN World Tourism Barometer indicates, in 2024, Africa recovered to pre-pandemic levels with 7% more arrivals compared to 2019 and 12% (74 million tourists) more than in 2023.

According to this report, the global outlook for tourism is positive with international tourist arrivals expected to grow between 3% and 5% in 2025 if conditions remain favourable, inflation recedes and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate.

The data and key players in the tourism sector outline some of the trends that defined 2024 and areas that will have a major impact on the industry in 2025.

Airlift

Data released by the International Air Transport Association indicates that total passenger demand for the continent rose by 12.4% year on year in November (the latest available figures). African airlines also increased capacity by 6% year on year and average passenger load factors increased by 4.1% to 72.9%.

While the continent has seen positive growth, it still only accounted for 2.1% of the total global passenger air travel market in November 2024.

Data from OAG Aviation for 2024 indicates that the Cape Town-Johannesburg route was the busiest domestic route on the continent with just over five million seats last year. Durban-Johannesburg was the second busiest domestic route with over 3 million seats. Abuja to Lagos, ranked third, recorded 2.2 million seats.

Regional connectivity is set to improve in 2025 with the introduction of new routes. Air Botswana and Airlink are set to increase capacity on flights between Gaborone and Cape Town from April 1. Air Botswana is also introducing new routes from Maun and Kasane to Cape Town.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, says: ‘‘This surge in connectivity directly supports our tourism sector, which remains a cornerstone of job creation and economic development across the province. The extended operating seasons and increased flight frequencies from key markets such as Europe, the UK and Botswana will ensure even more opportunities for travellers to experience the diverse offerings of the Western Cape.’’

Major infrastructure investments

Countries across the continent are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure in 2025. Morocco, which dethroned Egypt as the leading tourist destination on the continent in 2024, has announced plans to increase its airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million passengers by 2030. The country is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

In South Africa, Airports Company South Africa has earmarked over R20 billion (€103 million) for airport upgrades around the country. Cape Town International Airport, which will realign its runway and revamp the domestic terminal, is in the preparatory phases of development and expects to start construction in 2026.

Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos says: “We are eager to hear from Airports Company South Africa about their plans to upgrade the airport, particularly to handle the growing number of aircraft operations and passenger movements. These upgrades are critical to ensuring the airport can accommodate future growth and maintain its exceptional standards.”

The V&A Waterfront is also expected to break ground on its R20 billion (€103 million) Granger Bay development this year. The development, which will be completed in phases over 15-20 years, will be mixed use, including a pedestrian promenade and residential area.

Open skies

Ghana became the fifth African country to offer visa-free travel to other Africans earlier this year. It joins Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin. These countries occupy the top spots in the African Visa Openness Index released at the end of 2024.

According to this report (compared to 2023):

• 48 of 54 countries offered visa-free entry to citizens of at least one other African country (unchanged).
• Another 27 offered visas on arrival to citizens of at least one African country (down from 30).
• Countries requiring a visa ahead of travel increased to 47% (from 46%).

The report’s recommendations for 2025 state that visa-free travel policies should be extended to all African Union member states incrementally by moving from visa before travel to visa on arrival to visa-free entry. It also recommends that, where visas are required ahead of travel, e-visas should be an option.

Tech in tourism

Investors and travellers alike are showing increasing appetite for tourism technology, which is set to expand in 2025.

"Demand for independent travel within Africa is growing rapidly," says Justin Rijnberg, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Conservio, an online booking platform focusing on nature and conservation-based travel.

The company, which has just completed a US$1 million fundraiser, is aiming to expand across 2 000 Southern African properties.

"We are seeing a surge in tech-savvy travellers seeking unique stays beyond city centres. These travellers want the convenience of booking and paying online, seamlessly and in one place,” Rijnberg says.