Visitor numbers recovered to four-million in first six months, says Minister

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on July 27 reported that South Africa’s tourism sector continued to exhibit strong recovery, with more than four-million tourist arrivals recorded in the first six months of this year.

This was a significant increase from the 2.3-million tourist arrivals between January and June 2022.

In addition to this sizable 78.2% surge, there has also been a substantial increase across all regions in the same period.

However, although the current growth demonstrates signs of recovery, the sector is operating at 80% of its pre-pandemic capacity. In 2019, South Africa welcomed more than five-million tourists between January and June, she noted.

Further, the Africa region continues to bring the largest share of tourist arrivals to the country. A total of 3.08-million tourists that arrived in South Africa between January and June 2023 came from the rest of the African continent. This is a 79.9% increase when compared to the same period in 2022 when South Africa welcomed 1.7-million visitors from this region.

Africa land arrivals increased by a significant 81.6% while Africa air recorded a growth of 44.5% between January and June this year when compared to the same period in 2022.

"We are pleased with the number of visitors that our country continues to receive from the rest of the African continent. This is a testament to the marketing efforts that we have implemented to attract tourists from this region.

"Africa remains a key source market for us, and we are committed to collaborating as a tourism sector to make sure we welcome visitors from this region and that we cater for their needs and preferences," De Lille said.

Meanwhile, Europe, which is the largest source of visitors outside Africa, also experienced solid growth of 66.81% to 594 388 visitors up from 356 352 during January to June 2022.

South Africa welcomed 50 882 visitors from the Australasia region (mainly comprised of Australia and New Zealand), which is an increase of 141% compared to 21 108 arrivals in the same period in 2022.

The Asia region almost doubled its figures with a 99.5% growth, reaching 95 596 visitors up from 47 912.

The number of visitors from North America also demonstrated strong growth, increasing 70.6%, visitors from Central and South America increased by 74.4%, and visitors from the Middle East increasing by 75.8%.

“These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice. The substantial increase, particularly from Australasia and Asia, underlines and reflects the global trend towards post-pandemic travel recovery. This is all hugely welcomed because our sector contributes significantly to our country’s economy,” said De Lille.

“Through various tourism marketing strategies, South Africa continues to invite travellers worldwide to explore our diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife and wide-open spaces. These exceptional numbers illustrate South Africa's undeniable allure and the enduring impact it has on travellers.”

This is evidence that the implementation of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has gained traction and is contributing to sustained, accelerated economic growth. The Department of Tourism is determined to pass pre-Covid-19 arrival numbers. South Africa is open for tourism, and ready to welcome more tourists from across Africa and the globe to experience its diverse cultures and heritage, she averred.

“The support of travellers, both domestic and international, has played a crucial role in revitalising our economy and restoring the vibrancy to our tourism sector. I also wish to thank the tourism private sector across the country for all your hard work to grow our tourism offering, promote South Africa as a must-see destination and for your amazing hospitality in welcoming and hosting our visitors,” she said.