International tourist arrivals overall grew by 4.4% in 2015, however tourist arrivals to Africa decreased by 3%, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

UNWTO said there is limited data available for Africa, but a 3% decrease in international arrivals, reaching a total of 53 million is indicated. In North Africa arrivals declined by 8% and arrivals declined by 1% in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Europe, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific all recorded around 5% growth in 2015 and arrivals to the Middle East increased by 3%.

For 2016, UNWTO is anticipating Asia and the Americas to grow by 4-5%; Europe to grow by 3,5-4,5%; and the Middle East and Africa to grow 2-5%.

“2015 results were influenced by exchange rates, oil prices and natural and manmade crises in many parts of the world. As the current environment highlights in a particular manner the issues of safety and security, we should recall that tourism development greatly depends upon our collective capacity to promote safe, secure and seamless travel,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.