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The African continent stands as a breathtaking mosaic of sand expanses, meandering rivers, national parks, and verdant forests, drawing travellers worldwide to its magnetic beauty. Its wealth of wildlife and stunning mountain ranges further elevate its appeal, making it an irresistible destination for tourists. Among the most frequented countries by foreign travellers in this expansive region are South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, Kenya, Seychelles, Tunisia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. With its blend of ancient history, natural marvels, and diverse local cultures, Africa offers an enriching experience for history buffs and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Pre-Covid Foreign Visits to African Nations Before the Covid-19 pandemic, various African countries witnessed a steady influx of international tourists. A June 2023 Statista report, “Number of international tourist arrivals in selected African countries, 2019-2021” by Saifaddin Galal, highlighted Tunisia as the top African nation, welcoming 2.48 million international visitors in 2021. South Africa followed closely in second place with 2.26 million arrivals, while Kenya received approximately 870,000 tourists. Despite Tunisia leading in international visitors, it ranked fifth in international tourism receipts, amounting to around 1.03 billion U.S. dollars. In contrast, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Sudan boasted higher figures for international tourist receipts, reaching 8.9 billion, 3.81 billion, 2.11 billion, and 1.08 billion U.S. dollars, respectively.

Post-Covid Foreign Footfalls In the post-Covid era, the tourism sector across African countries has shown significant improvement. According to Global Data’s traveler demands and flows database, Egypt and South Africa are anticipated to be the second and third most popular destinations in Africa, expecting 7.9 million and 6.8 million international arrivals, respectively, in 2022. Tunisia is projected to be the fourth most popular, welcoming 6.1 million arrivals. Additionally, Zimbabwe is forecasted to welcome 1.6 million international arrivals, ranking fifth in popularity among African destinations.

Top African Countries in Tourism Competitiveness Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco emerged as the leading countries in terms of tourism competitiveness in 2019 and 2020. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) in Africa for 2021 placed Egypt and Mauritius at the forefront, with Morocco and South Africa following closely, each scoring 3.8. Egypt clinched the top spot with a TTCI score of 4.2 in the same year, closely trailed by Mauritius with a score of four points. South Africa and Morocco secured the third and fourth positions, respectively.

South Africa’s Tourism Landscape Tourism contributes approximately 9% to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). Despite a decline to 3.7% in 2020 from 6.9% in 2019 due to the pandemic, the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP, 2020) places significant emphasis on tourism as a priority intervention for economic recovery. The Department of Tourism, Govt. of South Africa’s ‘Estimates of National Expenditure 2023’ indicates a budget of around 4.2 billion South African Rand allocated to the sector.

The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Wits Art Museum, Kruger National Park, Table Top Mountain, and many others. Visitors can engage in diverse adventure activities like hiking, horse riding, and rafting, while historical sites like the Kruger House Museum offer insights into iconic figures such as Nelson Mandela and President Paul Kruger. Tour expenses for Indian citizens for a six to eight-day tour range from Rs.1,25,000 to Rs.2,35,000 per person.

Mauritius: A Tropical Haven Mauritius is experiencing a remarkable recovery in its tourism sector post the Covid-19 impact. Expected to welcome between 1.27 million and 1.32 million visitors in 2023, representing a recovery rate of 93.6% from pre-Covid levels in 2019, the island is witnessing growth driven by the European and Middle Eastern markets. However, challenges persist with the slow recovery of Asian markets, global economic slowdown, and labour shortages potentially limiting growth.

Renowned for its tropical paradise enveloped by the Indian Ocean, Mauritius boasts diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, white-sand beaches, volcanic mountains, tea plantations, and enchanting waterfalls. Visitors indulge in a range of adventure activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and dolphin watching, alongside experiencing the traditional local lifestyle. Tour costs for Indian citizens for a six to eight-day trip vary from   Rs.60,000 to Rs.1,70,000 per person.

Kenya’s Eclectic Offerings Situated in East Africa, Kenya stands as a treasure trove of diverse flora and fauna, with its coastline along the Indian Ocean housing unique aquatic life. Tourists flock here to witness majestic birds and animals, partake in safaris, and explore attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Maasai Mara Reserve, and Amboseli National Park. The country’s Balloon Safari offers a unique way to traverse landscapes, while its rich tribal culture provides opportunities to enjoy dances, local cuisine, and camping experiences.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) highlights the surge in tourist numbers due to concerted efforts between the government and the private sector in promoting popular destinations. The aim is to reach 5.5 million tourists in the next five years. Tour expenses for Indian citizens for a six to eight-day tour range from  Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.2,50,000 per person. Egypt’s Revival in Tourism Egypt has witnessed increased investments in its tourism industry, with 2020-2021 seeing around US$ 201.53 million invested compared to the previous year’s 5.3 billion Egyptian pounds. In the first half of 2021, the country’s tourism revenue reached US$ 3.1 billion. The nation aims to welcome 30 million visitors by 2028, signalling a resurgence from the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Renowned for its historic treasures, including temples, tombs, the Nile River, and iconic pyramids, Egypt offers a blend of water sports, luxurious resorts, and ancient sites. Visitors can explore cities like Luxor and Aswan or relish the slow-paced countryside life at the Siwa oasis. Tour expenses for Indian citizens for a six to eight-day trip range from  Rs.75,000 to  Rs.1,05,000 per person.

Seychelles: Serenity Amidst Islands Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, comprising around 115 granite and coral islands, stands as a haven for wildlife and ecotourism. Famous attractions include Praslin, La Digue, Mahe, Curieuse Island, Morne Seychellois National Park, and the breathtaking Anse Lazio beach.