South Africa records surge in tourist arrivals

The country saw an increase of more than 17% in foreign visitors between January and December 2025, Patricia de Lille has reported

South Africa’s tourism sector welcomed more than 10 million international visitors in 2025, a record that the authorities said underscores the industry’s contribution to economic growth and job creation.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the country recorded 10.48 million international arrivals between January and December 2025, a 17.6% increase over 2024 and the highest number ever recorded.

”Tourism is working. Tourism is delivering. And tourism will remain a cornerstone of inclusive growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa,” De Lille said.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the Minister emphasised that tourism policy is economic policy, pointing to a strong recovery, rising investor confidence and expanding job opportunities in the sector.

According to the Department of Tourism, South Africa’s global appeal was further boosted when the country was named Best Destination: Africa 2025 by the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.

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”This achievement reflects deliberate policy choices, focused implementation, and strong collaboration between the Government and the private sector,” De Lille said.

Cabinet has endorsed a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, developed jointly with industry, to drive further expansion. A central focus is making travel to South Africa easier, including the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in key markets such as India, China, Mexico and Indonesia.

The full implementation of the ETA is expected to create between 80,000 and 100,000 jobs, while new air routes are improving connectivity. These include Qantas’ direct Perth–Johannesburg flight, Air France’s seasonal daily service to Cape Town and new regional and domestic routes.

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Tourism already supports about 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs with one job created for roughly every 13 international arrivals.

Investment in tourism infrastructure is also gaining momentum. Eight major projects worth around R1 billion were launched at the 2025 Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, while the R2.5 billion Club Med development in KwaZulu-Natal signals growing confidence in the sector.

De Lille also highlighted the role of technology, noting the launch of Siyanda, an AI-powered travel assistant for North American travellers, and South Africa’s growing reputation for innovation in tourism and conservation.

On the business tourism front, South Africa secured 51 international conference and events bids in the current financial year, generating close to R900 million in economic impact.

De Lille thanked industry partners, content creators and tourism workers across the country, saying their efforts were central to surpassing the 10 million mark in arrivals.

First published by IOL