South Africa leads Africa in travel and tourism competitiveness, ranking 55th worldwide

Key Takeaways

  • South Africa leads Africa on the 2024 Global Travel & Tourism Index, ranking 55th worldwide with a TTI score of 3.99.
  • Mauritius and Egypt follow closely, placing 57th and 61st globally, both scoring just below 4.0, showing strong competitiveness.
  • North Africa dominates the list, with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia all making the top 10, highlighting the region’s strategic tourism appeal.
  • Rwanda and Namibia stand out despite being ranked lower globally (93rd and 95th), reflecting progress in tourism development in smaller economies.

In 2024, South Africa emerged as the top-ranked African nation on the Global Travel & Tourism Index, placing 55th globally with a TTI score of 3.99. Close contenders, including Mauritius (57th) and Egypt (61st), underscore Africa’s growing competitiveness in tourism, particularly in markets with strong natural attractions and cultural heritage. North Africa demonstrates regional strength with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia all in the top 10, emphasising the continent’s reliance on its historical and cultural assets to attract international visitors.

Interestingly, Rwanda and Namibia, though ranked lower at 93rd and 95th, highlight the diversification of Africa’s tourism landscape, showcasing how smaller, less resource-intensive nations are leveraging eco-tourism, conservation, and niche experiences to gain global visibility.

Source:

World Economic Forum

Period:

2024
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