While international tourist arrivals grew by 4.3% in the first eight months of 2015, Africa has seen a 5% decline in the number of tourist arrivals, according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.
North Africa recorded a 10% decrease in international arrivals and sub-Saharan Africa recorded a 3% decline. However, data for Africa should be read with caution as it is based on limited available data, says UNWTO.
Europe, the world’s most-visited regional destination, recorded a 5% increase in international tourist arrivals. Asia and the Pacific, the Americas and the Middle East all recorded a 4% growth.
Among the world’s top source markets, China continues to report double-digit growth in outbound travel, benefiting Japan, Thailand, the United States and various European destinations.
Among the other emerging markets, India, South Africa and Egypt reported double-digit growth in tourism expenditure. Meanwhile, expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil was significantly down, reflecting the economic constrains in both markets and the depreciation of the rouble and the real against virtually all other currencies.
“Sustained growth in international tourism is very positive news for all as the sector increasingly contributes to creating jobs, promoting trade and investment, developing infrastructure and fostering inclusive economic growth. This is particularly true in recent years, when tourism has been instrumental in supporting the economic recovery of many countries and in generating new jobs,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
