South Africa is experiencing a tourism boom, with visitors from across the world flocking to its shores.
New data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows a 30% rise in international arrivals in August 2025 compared with the same month last year, signalling a strong rebound for one of the country’s key job-creating sectors.
More than 3.2 million people crossed South Africa’s borders in August, including 2.4 million foreign visitors and 788,000 South Africans returning home. Of the foreign arrivals, 935,738 were overnight tourists and 300,487 were same-day visitors.
REGIONAL TRAVEL DOMINATES, BUT SPENDING REMAINS LOW
Visitors from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries made up 77% of all tourists. Zimbabwe led with 218,395 arrivals, followed by Mozambique (193,313) and Lesotho (115,660).
Oupa Pilane, Chairperson of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), said the figures mask a deeper challenge. “While we appreciate the positive regional numbers, many come for shopping, but they do not stay long enough to have an impact on all tourism sectors,” Pilane said.
He noted that most international tourists visit only Cape Town or the Kruger National Park, leaving other regions behind. “We are in danger of becoming a two-destination country,” Pilane warned. “We need to promote all regions and show visitors the full map of South Africa.”
ENSURING TOURISM GROWTH REACHES EVERY CORNER
Among long-haul markets, the United States (36,590), the United Kingdom (26,373), and Germany (13,742) remained top contributors, while Brazil and Saudi Arabia showed notable growth.
SATSA estimates that overall arrivals are still about 15% below 2019 levels. They’ve called for improved air access, faster visa processing, and stronger marketing of lesser-known destinations.
Tourism supports about 1.9 million jobs and contributes 7% to South Africa’s GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Experts say the sector will only reach its full potential when every region shares in the benefits of this renewed growth.
