Africa recorded one of the strongest performances in global tourism during the first half of 2026, with international tourist arrivals to the continent increasing by 4%, significantly ahead of the 0.4% global growth recorded during the same period, according to the latest UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer.
An estimated 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June 2026, representing about three million more arrivals than in the corresponding period of 2025. However, global tourism momentum weakened during the second quarter as the conflict in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, inflation and higher travel costs affected demand and international air connectivity.
Africa’s 4% growth places the continent among the strongest-performing tourism regions globally. The latest figures build on a strong start to the year, with Africa also recording 4% growth in the first quarter of 2026, alongside Europe, making both regions the strongest performers at the beginning of the year. The continent’s performance has been supported by continued demand for its diverse tourism offering, including wildlife and safari experiences, beaches, cultural heritage, nature-based tourism and growing city and lifestyle destinations.
North Africa has been particularly strong, while Sub-Saharan Africa has also maintained positive momentum. The World Bank noted that Africa’s growth has remained steady despite the broader disruptions affecting international travel. While Africa expanded, the overall international tourism market grew only marginally in the first half of the year. Global arrivals increased 0.4% year-on-year, following 2% growth in the first quarter before declining by 1% in the second quarter.
The Middle East recorded the sharpest regional decline, while disruptions to air routes through the region also affected connectivity between Europe, Asia and other international markets. Rising fuel prices and higher travel costs have further complicated the operating environment for airlines and tourism businesses. UN Tourism has subsequently revised its full-year 2026 outlook, with international tourist arrivals now expected to grow by 1% to 2%, compared with its earlier projection of 3% to 4%.
For Africa, the latest performance highlights the continent’s growing position in the international tourism market, while also underscoring the importance of strengthening air connectivity, intra-African travel, tourism infrastructure and destination marketing to sustain growth amid a more challenging global environment.
