In an update published by Leadership, international tourism figures for early 2026 show a sustained and significant demand for African travel destinations, with Nigeria’s waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and coastal regions seeing a double-digit increase in foreign visitors. This “tourism revival” is being driven by improved regional stability and a series of global marketing campaigns highlighting the continent’s untapped ecological wonders.
Nigeria has specifically benefited from a new visa-on-arrival policy for African Union citizens and a simplified e-visa process for European and North American travelers. Areas like the Obudu Mountain Resort and the Yankari Game Reserve have undergone significant renovations, making them more attractive to high-end eco-tourists.
The influx of foreign exchange from tourism is expected to provide a crucial buffer for the country’s external reserves.
Industry experts believe that if the current growth rate persists, tourism could become one of Nigeria’s top three non-oil revenue earners by the end of the decade.
However, they warn that the government must maintain its investment in transport infrastructure, particularly the rail links between major cities and tourist sites, to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.
Corroborating this report, Daily Post noted that “African travel destinations record strong global interest in 2026.”
Additionally, The Guardian highlighted the economic impact, stating that “International tourism figures show sustained demand for Africa’s leading travel destinations, boosting local economies.”
Echotitbits take:
Nigeria is finally getting serious about its “non-oil” revenue, and tourism is the sleeping giant.
The visa reforms were long overdue. The challenge now is “brand perception”—the government needs to consistently manage security narratives to ensure that the interest from 2026 translates into a permanent boom rather than a temporary trend.
Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/markets/article/africa-overtakes-asia-as-fastest-growing-tourism-market-arrivals-rise-by-8/, February 21, 2026
Photo credit: BusinessDay
