Travel and tourism in Africa grew by 5.6% in 2018 compared to the global average of 3.9% and the broader African economic growth rate of 3.2%, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Research by the WTTC shows that in 2018 travel and tourism contributed $194.2bn to the Africa's economy, representing 8.5% of the continent's gross domestic product (GDP). About 71% of tourism spending across Africa was leisure-driven and 29% business by nature. Domestic spending accounted for 56% of the tourism economy versus 44% for international. International tourism spending comprised 9.6% of Africa's total exports, worth $58.5bn.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 13, 2019 16:30 UTC