Africa tourist arrivals up 5 percent

Senior Victoria Falls Reporter
International tourist arrivals into Africa grew by five percent in 2013, reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism barometer.
Despite global economic challenges, international tourism arrivals were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013.

For 2014, UNWTO forecasts 4 percent to 4,5percent growth – again, above the long term projections.
About 2,4 million tourist arrivals were estimated to have visited Zimbabwe by the close of 2013 realising $851 million as revenue.
The country stands to benefit from the arrivals of tourists on the continent.

Demand for international tourism was strongest for destinations in Asia and the Pacific (+6 percent), Africa (+6 percent) and Europe (+5 percent). The leading sub-regions were South-East Asia (+10 percent), Central and Eastern Europe (+7 percent), Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+6 percent) and North Africa (+6 percent).

“2013 was an excellent year for international tourism” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
“The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fuelling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges. Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many economies.”