With its expansive savannah plains, thriving wildlife and evermore sophisticated beach resorts, Africa's tourist growth outpaced all other regions in 2006, according to figures from the UN's World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Following a strong 2005, tourists numbers increased by 8.1 per cent to the continent over the last 12 months, with the greatest jump coming in the sub-Saharan African nations of Kenya and South Africa.
Morocco also posted well above average results for the year as travellers from Europe flocked to the North African country for its beaches, desert tours and burgeoning property market.
Francesco Frangialli, UNWTO secretary general, said that these countries, among others, would have to focus on preserving their unique environments if their growth is to be sustainable.
"Tourism continues to transform itself under pressure from its environment," he said. "We are now responsible for making this new phase of growth more economical in its use of energy and natural resources, more sustainable, and lastly, more in keeping with the spirit of solidarity."
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