Africa attracted new record of 56 million tourists in 2013

With a five per cent increase in international tourists in 2013, Africa attracted a new record of 56 million, up three million from 2012, buoyed by the on-going rebound in North Africa and the

sustained growth of sub-Saharan destinations.

International tourist arrivals in 2013 reached 1.087 billion worldwide, a five per cent increase from 2012, says the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The latest data released by the UNWTO show that in 2012, international tourist traffic totalled 1.035 billion, up from 995 million in 2011.

“Despite global economic challenges, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013,” the UNWTO said in a statement received here Tuesday. “For 2014, the UNWTO forecasts 4.0 per cent to 4.5 per cent growth –again, above the long-term projections.”

Demand for international tourism was strongest for destinations in Asia, the Pacific and Africa which registered 6.0 per cent growth each while Europe, the world’s largest tourism region, registered 5,0 per cent growth.

The Americas saw an increase of six million arrivals to reach 169 million, led by growth in destinations in North and Central America while South America and the Caribbean showed some slowdown compared with 2012.

Commenting on the figures, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said growth witnessed in 2013 was evidence that the tourism sector could adjust to any market condition. The year was an excellent one for international tourism.

“The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fuelling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges. Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many economies,” he added.

“The positive results of 2013, and the expected global economic improvement in 2014, set the scene for another positive year for international tourism.

Against this backdrop, UNWTO calls upon national governments to increasingly set up national strategies that support the sector and to deliver on their commitment to fair and sustainable growth.”