Morocco Joins The Gambia, Egypt, South Africa, and Other African and Middle East Countries in Strong Tourism Growth in Q1 2025

Published on June 14, 2025

Africa and the Middle East tourism have posted remarkable recovery in the initial quarter of 2025, reporting a solid turnaround in international visitors. The preliminary data for the year 2025 indicate sustained growth in these markets, with both areas experiencing an increase in the inflow of visitors to the levels of before the pandemic.

This increase indicates the positive movement in the tourism industry in both the Middle East and Africa, with a good number of nations reporting positive growth in visitor numbers, making both regions among the world’s major travel destinations.

Africa Shows A Strong Start to 2025

Africa is one of the standout regions for international tourism growth in early 2025, with a 9% increase in international arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. This surge has put the continent 16% above pre-pandemic tourism levels. The ongoing tourism recovery in Africa is marked by a diverse range of destinations, with countries like Morocco, The Gambia, Ethiopia, and South Africa showing positive performance.

Key Highlights in Africa’s Tourism Performance

• The Gambia: Leading the growth with an impressive 46% increase in international arrivals, driven by its unique cultural experiences and picturesque landscapes.
• Morocco: A top performer in Africa tourism, Morocco recorded a 22% increase in international visitors in Q1 2025, continuing its momentum from 2024. The country remains a favorite for travelers seeking history, culture, and beautiful landscapes.
• Ethiopia: Seeing a solid 7% growth, Ethiopia attracts tourists with its rich heritage and natural beauty, offering a wealth of historical sites to explore.
• South Africa: Although growth was modest at 6%, South Africa’s tourism sector remains strong, with its renowned wildlife, scenic beauty, and vibrant cities continuing to attract international tourists.

These nations reflect the diverse appeal of Africa, from its coastal regions to historic landmarks and wildlife reserves.

Middle East Signals Modest Growth with Strong Resilience

The Middle East tourism sector experienced more modest growth in Q1 2025, with a 1% increase in international arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. However, the region still stands 44% above pre-pandemic levels, showcasing a remarkable long-term recovery and resilience in the face of global challenges. While the growth is slower compared to the extraordinary performance of 2024, the continued upward trend demonstrates the region’s appeal.

Top Performers in Middle East Tourism Trends

• Egypt: A leader in the region, Egypt saw a 21% growth in international arrivals, driven by its iconic historical sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum.
• Jordan: With a 9% increase in international visitors, Jordan continues to attract travelers with its historical treasures, such as Petra and the Dead Sea.
• Bahrain: Also recording a 9% increase, Bahrain’s tourism is gaining momentum with its blend of modern luxury and rich cultural heritage.

These countries are key contributors to the overall growth of the Middle East tourism industry, benefiting from strategic investments in tourism infrastructure and a continued focus on cultural and historical tourism.

Key Insights into Q1 2025 Tourism Data

Both Africa and the Middle East have shown substantial international arrivals growth in Q1 2025, reflecting a strong recovery from the pandemic. Africa’s performance, in particular, stands out with its significant 9% increase in visitor numbers. In contrast, the Middle East’s 1% growth may appear more modest, but when viewed in the context of its 44% increase above pre-pandemic levels, it becomes clear that the region’s tourism industry remains robust and continues to recover steadily.

Tourism Recovery Trends

• Africa’s tourism recovery has been marked by substantial growth across the continent, driven by strong performances from countries like Morocco and The Gambia.
• The Middle East, while seeing more gradual growth, has surpassed pre-pandemic tourism levels, driven by countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain.

Comparative Overview of Africa and the Middle East

Bottom Line

Tourism sectors in Africa and the Middle East are showing strong growth in the first quarter of 2025, signaling a positive outlook for the rest of the year. Africa’s solid 9% growth reflects the continent’s diverse appeal and growing international tourism interest. Meanwhile, the Middle East continues to recover steadily, with countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain leading the way in terms of visitor arrivals.

The data indicates that both regions are benefiting from a mix of factors, including improved infrastructure, a focus on cultural and historical tourism, and a growing interest from international travelers. With international arrivals growth continuing to rise, and tourism recovery gaining momentum in both Africa and the Middle East, the regions are set to remain important players in the global tourism industry.