Tourism figures for the first 6 months of 2017 confirm that the sector is set for its eighth year of consecutive solid growth since the economic crisis of 2009. In the first half of 2017, international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 6% compared to the same period last year. International arrivals reported by destinations around the world were positive overall, with very few exceptions. Limited data available for Africa points to an 8% increase in international arrivals, with North Africa (+17%) recovering strongly. International arrivals in the Middle East rebounded by an estimated 10% following a 3% decline in 2016.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 13, 2017 00:33 UTC