• Africa registered a 12% increase in international tourist arrivals in H1 2025, the highest global growth.

• North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa both achieved double-digit growth.

• Global tourist arrivals reached 690 million in H1 2025, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels by 4%.

Africa recorded a 12% increase in international tourist arrivals during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This marked the strongest rise globally, according to data released on September 9, by UN Tourism. North Africa saw a 14% increase, and Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 11% during this period, both regions achieving double-digit growth.

Asia-Pacific tourist arrivals increased by 11% over the prior year period, reaching 92% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Europe, the world's leading destination, welcomed nearly 340 million international tourists between January 1 and June 30, 2025, approximately 4% more than the same period in 2024. The Americas registered a 3% rise in tourist numbers during the first six months of 2025. The Middle East experienced a 4% increase, while the Caribbean remained stable with 0% growth. Morocco notably achieved one of the highest growth rates in international tourist arrivals during January-June of the current year, increasing by 19%. It followed Japan and Vietnam, which both saw a 21% rise.

Internationally, international tourist arrivals totaled 690 million between January and June 2025, approximately 33 million more than during the same period in 2024, representing a 5% increase. This figure also represents a 4% rise compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. UN Tourism notes that travel demand should continue to demonstrate resilience for the remainder of the year. This resilience persists despite uncertainties related to economic and geopolitical tensions, which could undermine consumer confidence. The agency's January 2025 projections, which forecast 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025, remain unchanged.

Walid Kéfi