South Africa’s tourism sector on a steady rise

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Statistics South Africa recently released official international arrival figures for January to November 2023, reaffirming the upward trajectory of the South African tourism sector.

From January to November 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 7.6 million, marking an impressive 51.8% surge compared to the same period in 2022. While the recovery towards pre-COVID-19 levels is promising, this performance is still 17.6% lower than the corresponding period in 2019.

South Africa continues to allure both domestic and international travelers, with the tourism sector effectively promoting travel to the country, fostering cultural exchanges, and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Key Highlights:

1. Africa Leading the Way:

• In the first eleven months of 2023, South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from the African continent, constituting a substantial 75.5% of all arrivals, compared to 2022.
• Zimbabwe and Kenya exhibited remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 77.5% increase in tourist arrivals and Kenya recording a 94.2% surge.

1. Strong Momentum from the Americas:

• Tourist arrivals from the Americas between January and November 2023 totaled 411,254, reflecting a 44.1% growth from the same period in 2022.
• The United States of America contributed significantly, with 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5% increase.

1. European Markets Displaying Strength:

• Europe contributed 1.1 million tourist arrivals, representing 14.6% of the total arrivals, and marking a 43.2% increase from the same period in 2022.
• The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia demonstrated substantial growth, with Russia exhibiting an 83.9% increase.

1. Noteworthy Growth from Asian Markets:

• Asian markets showed significant growth, with a total of 182,497 arrivals, a remarkable 72.6% increase from the same period in the previous year.
• India and China led the way, with India experiencing a 46.3% growth and China a massive 215.7% surge.

1. Solid Gains from the Middle East:

• The Middle East registered a robust increase, with 51,779 arrivals in the January to November 2023 period, reflecting a 37.5% growth from 2022.
• Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates displayed noteworthy growth, with the latter recording a remarkable 114.2% increase.

Despite these positive trends, there is recognition that more can be achieved with policy and regulation revisions. The commitment to addressing barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns, and limited air access is emphasized to further unlock the potential for growth in the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille expresses optimism about South Africa’s sustained charm, attractiveness, and ongoing tourism growth.

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