Africa is moving decisively out of recession, and looks set to renew its pre-recession average growth rate of 6%, according to the African Economic Outlook 2010 and Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011.

Africa ’s tourism industry has profited through this period and is now perceived to be ‘on the path to recovery’ reports Jones Lang LaSalle in its Hotel Investment Survey 2011.

The World Travel Organisation recently forecast that in-bound tourism to Africa will increase by over 50% from 2010 to 2020 while Africa’s combined consumer spending (currently $860bn) is also set to continue its growth.

Economic data indicates a decade of sustained growth and development for the continent. By 2020, Africa’s collective GDP will be $2.6trn and by 2040 it will have a workforce of 1.1bn (McKinsey Global Institute 2010).

The report highlights Zambia, which is widely considered one of Africa’s success stories and South Africa. In Zambia, after years of political and economic stability (forecast annual growth rate of 7.1% this year), the country has used its massive natural resources base to further its tourism aspirations.

South Africa received a boost from hosting the World Cup and at the end of July it applied to host the 2020 Olympic Games.