In This Article:
In this article, we will be covering the 20 most visited countries in Africa. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Most Visited Countries In Africa.
Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery in Africa
After experiencing a tumultuous couple of years, the tourism industry in Africa is returning to its pre-pandemic levels. According to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in Africa, the number of international arrivals has been restored to 96% of the pre-pandemic numbers. The recovery is especially evident in North Africa.
The international arrival rates in North Africa were recorded to be 8% higher, from January till July 2023, compared to 2019 levels. International tourist arrivals exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 28% in Ethiopia, 19% in Tanzania, and 15% in Morroco from January to July 2023. During the first nine months of 2023, Africa was the second-best-performing region in terms of recovery of the number of arrival rates in the world. You can also read about the 15 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy in Africa.
The penetration of digital solutions in tourism has been a key factor in recovering the tourism flow rates. Online travel booking services have made planning and booking a trip a very easy process. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global online travel booking services market was valued at around $560 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2022 to 2030 to reach a valuation of $1.13 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The growing demand for online travel booking platforms will be the main driver of the growth of the market.
One of the main trends in the online booking services industry is the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, is poised to revolutionize the travel industry. AI is capable of sifting through extensive data to enable travel suppliers to keep up with customer demands and personalize their services. Travelstart is a leading company in Africa that enables users to book and compare prices for various amenities including bus fares and hotels when traveling across Africa. Travelstart has an AI travel assistant that is designed to enhance customer experience by facilitating journey planning.
Major Players in the Online Travel Booking Services Industry
Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), Trip.com Group Ltd (NASDAQ:TCOM), and Tripadvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) are among the top companies in the online travel booking services industry. Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB) is a global online marketplace that connects people looking to rent out their homes with those seeking accommodations. The online booking features enable travelers across the globe to book places of their choice. In Africa, the company has been actively involved in promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism under the Africa Pledge. The Africa Pledge is a commitment to support tourism growth in Africa with a $500,000 fund. On January 17, Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB) announced the formation of the Housing Council. The council aims to address housing affordability challenges. The council will advise the company on policies and partnerships to increase the long-term housing supply. The council will be chaired by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and will include leading housing experts and advocates. Trip.com Group Ltd (NASDAQ:TCOM) is a multinational travel services company that was founded in 1999. The company owns and operates various travel fare aggregators and metasearch engines, including Trip.com. On February 5, the company announced the launch of Trip.Vision app. The app has been designed for Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The app allows users immersive exploration of global destinations including Mount Everest and the Sahara Desert. It has high-definition panoramas and detailed information through 360-degree videos and voiceovers. This launch follows the company's previous innovations including the AI travel assistant TripGenie which highlights the importance of cutting-edge technologies in travel. Tripadvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) is a leading company in the online travel booking industry. The online platform by the company allows users to plan, book, and experience. The company also showcases accommodations, attractions, and experiences available in various African destinations. On February 14, the company reported earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $0.38, beating estimates by $0.16. The company's revenue for the quarter grew by 10.17% and amounted to $390 million, ahead of market consensus by $14.86 million. As of March 24, Tripadvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) has surged nearly 79.62% over the past six months. Here are some comments from the company's earnings call: