Harare, (New Ziana) – Tourist arrivals on the African continent was up three percent in the first half of 2019,with the North African region contributing a larger share to the rise, latest global figures show.

“In Africa, limited available data points to a three percent increase in international arrivals,” the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) said.

“North Africa (+9%) continues to show robust results, following two years of double-digit figures, while growth in Sub-Saharan Africa was flat.”

The positive growth in Africa and other regions in the world led to an
overall four percent rise in global arrivals during the period, the UN
agency said.

“Destinations worldwide received 671 million international tourist arrivals between January and June 2019, almost 30 million more than in the same period of 2018 and a continuation of the growth recorded last year,” said the UNWTO.

The Middle East region, with arrivals up eight percent in the six months, came tops in terms of global growth, followed by the Asia and Pacific region which enjoyed a six percent jump.

Europe and the America’s also recorded a positive growth of four percent and two percent respectively.

The UNWTO said some of the drivers of the growth included strong economies, affordable air travel, increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation.

“However, weaker economic indicators, prolonged uncertainty about Brexit, trade and technological tensions and rising geopolitical challenges, have started to take a toll on business and consumer confidence, as reflected in a more cautious UNWTO Confidence Index,” the agency said.

China remained the biggest source market for tourists, with outbound
tourism recording an impressive 14 percent jump though spending by the
tourists was four percent down.
New Ziana