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Last year over 800m tourists headed to Africa, new figures from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reveal.

Last year the number of international tourist arrivals to the continent rose by 5.5%, after 10% growth in 2004 well above the international averages.

UNWTO secretary general Francesco Frangialli said: 'This surge in African tourism clearly shows the great potential of our sector of the economy to help trade and development in the region and in so doing to make an important contribution to the Millennium Development Goals aimed at reducing poverty systemically by 2015 - particularly in Africa.'

He added: 'Africa can have substantial comparative advantage with its wildlife, nature, heritage and climate.

'An advantage which could, if nurtured, allow the world's poorest countries to compete in this dynamic export sector.'

It is estimated that in the last five years the amount spent by tourists in Africa has jumped from £5.6 billion to £11.3 billion.


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