Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economies of several African countries, offering a diverse range of attractions that include cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical landmarks. Here’s an in-depth look at the tourism landscape in Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, alongside key trends in their hotel industries and upcoming flight route expansions.
Africa saw an impressive recovery in tourism between January and December 2023, with international arrivals reaching 96% of pre-crisis levels, outperforming the global average of 88% as per UN Tourism. This marked a significant jump from the 69% recovery seen in 2022, driven by strong demand from European markets. Africa was the second-best performing region in 2023, behind only the Middle East, and North Africa was one of the few global subregions to exceed pre-pandemic levels, alongside Southern Mediterranean Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Countries like Ethiopia (+30%), Tanzania (+20%), and Morocco (+11%) all surpassed their 2019 arrival numbers by the end of 2023, a testament to the region’s robust tourism rebound. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the recovery in air connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, and across intra-regional routes played a key role in this resurgence.
Globally, tourism continued to thrive in 2024, with international arrivals reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels by mid-year, marking an 11% increase from 2023. Air travel also recovered to 99% of 2019 levels, further fueling the tourism sector’s revival. The hospitality industry benefited from this surge, with global hotel occupancy rates hitting 71% in August 2024, reflecting increased demand and longer stays. This recovery in both air travel and accommodations has significantly boosted Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors, setting the stage for further growth.
Morocco: A Cultural Treasure and Growing Hospitality Sector
Tourism in Morocco is flourishing, driven by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks. Major destinations include Marrakech, known for its historic medina and vibrant souks, and Fes, which is famous for its ancient tanneries and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest in the world. Agadir, a coastal resort city, attracts beachgoers, while Tangier serves as a cultural melting pot, offering attractions like the Kasbah Museum and Hercules Cave. The scenic town of Chefchaouen is renowned for its striking blue-painted buildings set against a mountain backdrop.
The Moroccan hotel industry is experiencing significant growth, with the market projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% to 6.72% from 2024 to 2029. The market size is expected to reach USD 1.12 billion by 2029, bolstered by increasing tourist arrivals, which hit 14 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The country’s hotel occupancy rates grew by 37%, with guest houses experiencing a surge of 79% and luxury hotels seeing a 22% increase.
Several airlines are expanding their operations in Morocco, with Ryanair set to launch 11 new domestic routes connecting cities like Agadir, Essaouira, and Fez, along with 24 international routes linking Morocco with key European markets such as Germany, Spain, France, and Italy. AirBaltic will also introduce flights to Marrakech in late 2024, while Royal Air Maroc is expanding services to Barcelona and resuming flights to Dubai.
South Africa: A Mix of Nature, Culture, and Adventure
South Africa is a leading destination for both adventure and cultural tourism. The country’s key attractions include the iconic Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, offering opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino). The Garden Route, a scenic drive along the southern coast, showcases stunning beaches and forests, while Table Mountain in Cape Town provides breathtaking views. Visitors can also explore South Africa’s rich cultural history by visiting townships like Soweto, or indulge in the diverse cuisine and wine of the Cape Winelands.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African hospitality sector is making a strong comeback. By 2024, the industry is expected to reach a market size of USD 1.36 billion, with a projected growth rate of 4.43% CAGR, reaching USD 1.68 billion by 2029. In 2023, hotel occupancy rates increased to 64.60%, showing signs of recovery, although still slightly below the pre-pandemic occupancy rate of 68.1%.
Airlines are playing a crucial role in South Africa’s tourism recovery. Lufthansa will begin operating new flights between Johannesburg and Munich in September 2024, with seasonal flights between Cape Town and Munich starting in November. South African Airways (SAA) is adding nine new destinations by March 2024, including increased services to São Paulo and Perth, with further expansion planned for Frankfurt, Munich, and London by 2028.
Tunisia: A Blend of History, Beaches, and Festivals
Tunisia’s tourism sector is a major contributor to the country’s economy, with key attractions including the ancient ruins of Carthage, the El Jem Amphitheatre, and the vibrant coastal resorts of Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba. Tunisia also hosts numerous cultural festivals, such as the International Festival of Carthage and the Tabarka Jazz Festival, which draw visitors from around the world.
The Tunisian hotel industry has rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with international arrivals increasing by 50% in 2023. Tunisia welcomed 8.8 million visitors that year, marking a 49.3% increase compared to 2022. Forecasts suggest that occupancy rates will continue to rise as the tourism market stabilizes. The hotel market caters to a wide range of budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts, and the future looks promising as Tunisia seeks to diversify its tourism offerings.
Tunisia’s airline connectivity is also improving, with several new routes launched in 2024. Medsky Airways inaugurated two routes between Libya and Tunisia, while Nouvelair and easyJet introduced flights connecting Tunis to European cities like Berlin, Bordeaux, and London. Additionally, Tunisia signed an open skies agreement with Oman, which will enable direct flights between the two countries and is expected to further boost tourism.
Algeria: An Untapped Tourism Destination
As the largest country in Africa, Algeria boasts a wealth of natural beauty and historical significance, though it remains an emerging destination for international tourists. Key attractions include the vast Algerian Sahara, offering adventure tourism opportunities such as camel trekking and exploring ancient rock art in Tassili n’Ajjer, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Algeria’s Mediterranean coastline offers beautiful beaches and seaside resorts, while Roman ruins like Timgad and Djemila showcase the country’s rich historical legacy.
The Algerian hotel industry is seeing growth, with 1,502 hotels operating across the country as of 2021, a notable increase in recent years. International hotel chains like Radisson Blu and Hyatt have entered the market, reflecting the country’s tourism potential. However, hotel occupancy rates remain low, averaging 17.5%, indicating significant room for growth as Algeria works to attract more international tourists.
Algeria’s aviation sector is expanding, with Air Algérie announcing plans to add new routes to destinations including Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur, New York, and Johannesburg by 2025. The airline is also resuming flights to Valencia, Spain, as part of its efforts to increase international connectivity.
Botswana: A Safari Lover’s Paradise
Botswana is known for its stunning wildlife and natural landscapes, making it a top destination for safari enthusiasts. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its rich biodiversity, offering tourists the chance to experience mokoro rides (traditional canoes) and guided walking safaris. Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant population, provides boat cruises along the Chobe River, while the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a unique desert ecosystem for visitors to explore.
The hotel industry in Botswana has grown substantially in recent years, with the tourism and hospitality sector contributing over 7% to the country’s GDP. In 2023, hotel occupancy rates stood at 54%, aligning with broader trends across Africa as the continent recovers from the pandemic. The country offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly hotels.
New flight routes are set to boost Botswana’s connectivity with the region. Air Botswana will launch new routes from Gaborone to Durban, Maun to Cape Town, and Kasane to Mpumalanga by late 2024. Ethiopian Airlines also introduced a route connecting Addis Ababa to Maun, enhancing access to the Okavango Delta for international travelers.
The tourism sectors in Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana are experiencing significant growth, driven by their unique cultural offerings, natural beauty, and historical landmarks. Each country has developed strategies to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a robust rebound in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates. Investments in the hotel industry, from luxury to budget accommodations, are further enhancing the travel experience in these destinations.
Additionally, expanding flight routes by key airlines is improving global connectivity, making these countries more accessible to international travelers. Whether it’s Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, South Africa’s blend of nature and adventure, Tunisia’s historical charm, Algeria’s untapped potential, or Botswana’s unparalleled safari experiences, these African nations are well-positioned to attract a growing number of visitors in the coming years. As they continue to invest in infrastructure and diversify their tourism offerings, the future of tourism in these countries looks promising, bringing economic benefits and global recognition.