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South Africa’s Travel & Tourism’s Growth to Outpace the National Economy for the Next 10 Years

South Africa’s Travel & Tourism’s growth to outpace the national economy for the next 10 years

Travel & Tourism to create more than 800,000 jobs over the next decade

London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ) has revealed the South African Travel & Tourism’s GDP will drive the national economic recovery over the next decade.

The forecast from WTTC’s Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the South African Travel & Tourism sector is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 7.6% annually over the next decade, significantly outstripping the 1.8% growth rate of the country’s overall economy.

By 2032, the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach more than ZAR 554.6 billion (7.4% of the total economy), injecting nearly ZAR 287 billion into the national economy.

The sector is also expected to create more than 800,000 jobs over the next decade, to reach more than 1.9 million by 2032.

Although the data reveals a bright future for South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector, the recovery was seriously hampered after the detection and surge of the Omicron variant.  

Many countries around the world placed severe and damaging restrictions on African countries, which caused even further damage to those economies and put thousands more livelihoods at risk.

By the end of this year, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 37.2% year on year, to nearly ZAR 268 billion (4.3% of total economy).

Employment in the sector is set to grow by 3.8%% to reach more than 1.1 million jobs.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Although the future looks bright for the South African Travel & Tourism sector, the recovery this year will be slower than expected.

“Knee-jerk travel restrictions imposed over South Africa and other African destinations were impulsive and unjustified. Instead of punishing, these countries should have been praised for discovering the variant early.

“However, with GDP contribution and jobs on the rise, the long-term forecast looks very positive.”

In 2019, the South African Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP as a share of total economy was 6.4% (ZAR 405.2 billion), falling to just 3.1% (ZAR 180 billion) in 2020, which represented a staggering 55.6% loss.

The sector also supported more than 1.5 million jobs across the country, before suffering a 29.9% drop, falling to just over one million.

WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector.

Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 8.4% year on year, to reach just over ZAR 195 billion.

The sector also saw a recovery of 20,000 Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a 1.9% rise to reach almost nearly 1.1 million.

Download the press release >

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism in South Africa - statistics & facts

The effects of the covid-19 pandemic, a higher domestic tourist spending, increasing accommodation availability and dropping occupancy rate, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Absolute economic contribution of tourism in Tunisia 2014-2029

International tourist arrivals in Africa 2020, by country

Number of countries with visa free access to South Africans 2010-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Number of overnight tourists in South Africa from 2012 to 2021

Available hotel rooms in South Africa 2000-2021

Occupancy rate of hotels in South Africa by stars 2012-2022

Further recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Passport visa free score in Africa 2024, by country
• Premium Statistic Visa openness index in Africa 2021, by indicator
• Basic Statistic Number of countries with visa free access to South Africans 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals in Africa 2020, by country

Passport visa free score in Africa 2024, by country

African passports with visa free access to other countries as of May 2024

Visa openness index in Africa 2021, by indicator

Leading countries according to visa openness in Africa as of 2021, by indicator

Number of countries with visa free access to South Africans from 2010 to 2022

Ranking of the international tourist arrivals in Africa by country 2020 (in millions)

Economic contribution

• Basic Statistic Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in South Africa 2005-2021
• Basic Statistic Value added of travel and tourism to GDP in South Africa 2019-2021
• Basic Statistic Tourism direct gross value added in South Africa 2015-2021
• Basic Statistic Tourism direct gross value added in South Africa 2021, by industry
• Basic Statistic Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in South Africa 2019-2021

Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in South Africa 2005-2021

Contribution of travel and tourism to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Africa from 2005 to 2021

Value added of travel and tourism to GDP in South Africa 2019-2021

Contribution of travel and tourism to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Africa from 2019 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Tourism direct gross value added in South Africa 2015-2021

Direct gross value added of the tourism industry in South Africa from 2015 to 2021 (in million South African rand)

Tourism direct gross value added in South Africa 2021, by industry

Tourism direct gross value added in South Africa in 2021, by industry (in million South African rand)

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in South Africa 2019-2021

Number of jobs in the travel and tourism sector in South Africa from 2019 to 2021 (in millions)

Inbound and outbound tourists

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in South Africa 2014-2029
• Basic Statistic Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2011 to 2022, by mode of travel
• Basic Statistic Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2014-2022, by purpose of visit
• Basic Statistic Total traveler departures from South Africa 2014-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of foreign traveler departures from South Africa 2014-2022

Number of international tourist arrivals in South Africa 2014-2029

Number of international tourist arrivals in South Africa from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2011 to 2022, by mode of travel

Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2011 to 2022, by mode of travel (in 1,000s)

Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2014-2022, by purpose of visit

Number of tourists arriving in South Africa from 2014 to 2022, by purpose of visit (in 1,000s)

Total traveler departures from South Africa 2014-2022

Total number of traveler departures from South Africa from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of foreign traveler departures from South Africa 2014-2022

Number of foreign traveler departures from South Africa from 2014 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Tourism expenditure

• Basic Statistic Foreign tourism visitor spending in South Africa 2009-2021
• Basic Statistic Foreign tourism visitor spending as a share of exports in South Africa 2009-2020
• Basic Statistic Share of domestic and international travel spending in South Africa 2019-2020
• Basic Statistic Tourism expenditure in South Africa 2019-2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Expenditure per capita on international tourism in South Africa 2001-2029
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts per capita in South Africa 2001-2029

Foreign tourism visitor spending in South Africa 2009-2021

International visitor spending in South Africa from 2009 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Foreign tourism visitor spending as a share of exports in South Africa 2009-2020

International visitor spending as a share of total exports in South Africa from 2009 to 2020

Share of domestic and international travel spending in South Africa 2019-2020

Share of domestic and international expenditure in the sector of travel and tourism in South Africa in 2019 and 2020

Tourism expenditure in South Africa 2019-2021, by type

Distribution of tourism expenditure in South Africa in 2019 and 2021, by type

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in South Africa 2001-2029

Expenditure per capita on international tourism in South Africa from 2001 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

International tourism receipts per capita in South Africa 2001-2029

International tourism receipts per capita in South Africa from 2001 to 2029 (in U.S. dollars)

Hotels and accommodation

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of foreign overnight visitors in South Africa 2022
• Premium Statistic Available hotel rooms in South Africa 2000-2021
• Premium Statistic Occupancy rate of hotels in South Africa from 2000 to 2021
• Premium Statistic Income generated from tourist accommodation in South Africa 2016-2023
• Premium Statistic Monthly income from tourist accommodation in South Africa 2019-2023

Monthly number of foreign overnight visitors in South Africa 2022

Monthly number of foreign overnight arrivals in South Africa from January to December 2022

Number of available hotel rooms in South Africa from 2000 to 2021

Occupancy rate of hotels in South Africa from 2000 to 2021

Occupancy rate of rooms in hotels and similar establishments in South Africa from 2000 to 2021

Income generated from tourist accommodation in South Africa 2016-2023

Total income generated from tourist accommodation in South Africa from 2016 to 2023 (in million South African rand)

Monthly income from tourist accommodation in South Africa 2019-2023

Monthly income generated from tourist accommodation in South Africa from January 2019 to December 2023 (in million South African rand)

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South Africa’s Tourism Sector continues to rise

S S tatistics South Africa’s recent official release of international arrival figures for January to November 2023, once again shows the South African tourism sector’s rising momentum.

International tourist arrivals from January to November 2023 totalled 7.6 million representing a remarkable 51.8% increase when compared with same period in 2022. While recovery towards pre-COVID-19 numbers is encouraging, this performance is 17.6% lower compared to the same period in 2019.

South Africa remains an attractive destination, for both domestic and international travellers. The numbers show that the tourism sector is successfully driving travel to South Africa while shaping cultural exchanges and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Africa continues to lead the way

During the first eleven months of 2023, South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from the rest of the African continent marking a significant 75.5% of all arrivals, compared to the same period in 2022. Within the African region, Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth. Zimbabwe saw an exceptional 77,5% increase in tourist arrivals, totalling 1.9 million, while Kenya recorded a 94,2% surge, reaching 37,414 arrivals for January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year.

“I am so pleased by these numbers from the rest of the African continent. We view the region as very significant and important. Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime earlier this year as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns. Overall, through focused marketing, various collaborations and leveraging various strategic opportunities by The Department of Tourism, South African Tourism and the broader tourism sector, we have been able to achieve these very impressive results on the continent,” says Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille.

The Americas exhibit Strong Momentum

Tourist arrivals from the Americas between January and November this year registered at 411,254 reflecting a 44.1% growth compared to the same period in 2022. The United States of America contributed the most, with 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

“The US remains a top international source market for South Africa and has been recording robust steady growth in arrivals in 2023. Based on our December projections we anticipate recording our 2019 pre-pandemic arrivals well ahead of the forecasted recovery mooted for the 2024/2025 financial year.  We are proud of the work done by the team working collaboratively alongside our stakeholders in the public and private sector to deliver exciting consumer and trade-facing projects to drive brand affinity and distribution channel initiatives to reignite this market.” adds Minister De Lille.

European Markets Show Strength

With 1.1 million tourist arrivals, Europe contributed to 14.6% of the total arrivals, during the first eleven months of 2023. This marks a 43.2% increase when compared to the same period last year. The United Kingdom remains the top European source market with 315 054 tourists choosing South Africa marking a 30.4% growth. Germany experienced a 47.9% increase in arrivals, amounting to 219,971 tourists. This was followed by the Netherlands which saw an increase 48.4% amounting to 117,948 tourist arrivals from this country. Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 83.9%, contributing 25,116 arrivals.

“Europe continues to show strong growth and recovery when compared to the same period in 2022.  Notably, the Netherlands has achieved 90% of 2019 arrivals, solidifying their position as the fourth largest international market behind the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Germany. This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travellers,” Minister de Lille added.

Noteworthy growth from the Asia markets

During the first eleven months of 2023 Asian markets also showed significant growth with a total 182,497 arrivals from the region representing an astounding 72.6% when compared to the same period last year. In this region, India led the way with 73,037 tourists, a 46.3% growth, closely followed by China, which saw a massive 215.7% surge, amounting to 34,669 arrivals.

“The performance highlights South Africa's charm as well as magnetism as a tourism destination for tourists coming from this region. The rich and varied cultural heritage, historical connections, natural beauty and diversity continue to make our country very attractive to travellers coming from this region. The re-opening of the Chinese market and the initiation of direct flight routes have catalysed a resurgence in arrivals, highlighting the vast potential and significance of this market to South African tourism,” Minister De Lille said.

Middle East Registers Solid Gains

The Middle East saw a robust increase with 51,779 arrivals in the January to November 2023 period, a 37.5% growth when compared to the same period in 2022. South Africa received 15,507 arrivals from Saudi Arabia marking an increase of 40.9%. The United Arab Emirates showed a remarkable 114.2% growth, accounting for 6,360 arrivals.

More to be done to unlock even more growth

“It is evident that our country remains attractive and that more can be unlocked with more policy and regulation revisions. I am committed to working with all partners and government colleagues to unlock barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns and limited air access and air lift, so that we can grow our sector and meaningfully contribute to our country’s economy. I look forward to continue working with the rest of my colleagues in government in this regard so that we can all attain mutual benefits of our collaborative initiatives. Our country offers unique and undeniable breath-taking landscapes and tourism products and experiences. We also thank all the South Africans for their continuous hospitality and extending a warm welcome to all our visitors. Here’s to South Africa’s sustained charm, attractiveness and relentless tourism growth,” concludes Minister de Lille.

For further information, contact

Zara Nicholson

Ministry Media Liaison Officer

Cell: +27 (0) 79 416 5996

Email: [email protected]

Thandiwe Mathibela at South African Tourism

GM: Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Tel: +27 (0) 82 552 0979

Email: [email protected]

Website www.southafrica.net

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Tourism on rise of tourist visits in South Africa

Tourism on the rise as more than 4 million tourists visit south africa in the first half of 2023  .

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to exhibit strong recovery with the first half of 2023 recording more than 4 million tourist arrivals, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa. This is a significant increase from the 2,3 million tourist arrivals between January and June 2022. The total number of tourist arrivals to South Africa between January and June 2023 showed a sizable 78.2% surge in the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022. There has also been a substantial increase across all regions in the same period.  Although the current growth demonstrates signs of recovery, we are still operating at 80% of our pre-pandemic capacity. In 2019 South Africa welcomed more than 5 million tourists between January and June. The Africa region continues to bring the largest share of tourist arrivals to the country. A total of 3 083 583 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 last year when South Africa welcomed 1 714 501 visitors from this region.  

Africa land arrivals increased by a significant 81.6% while Africa air recorded a growth of 44.5% between January to June this year when compared to the same period last year.  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.  Beyond the African continent, South Africa has welcomed more visitors from other regions too. Between January and June 2023, the Australasia region (mainly comprised of Australia and New Zealand) recorded an increase of 141 % with 50 882 visitors coming from this region compared to 21 108 arrivals in the same period last year.  The Asia region almost doubled its figures with a 99.5% growth, from 47 912 to 95 596 visitors. Europe, the largest source of visitors outside Africa, also experienced solid growth of 66,8.1%, from 356 352 to 594 388 visitors when compared to the same period in 2022.  North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East also demonstrated strong growth trends with rates of 70.6%, 74.4%, and 75.8% respectively. 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.  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. The latest statistics by Stats SA is evidence that the implementation of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has gained traction and is contributing to sustained, accelerated economic growth. We are growing stronger each day and we are determined to pass pre-COVID-19 arrival numbers. South Africa is open for tourism, and we are ready to welcome more tourists from across Africa and the globe to experience our diverse cultures and heritage. South Africa was recently honoured by readers of the UK’s Telegraph Travel publication, with the prestigious title of "Best Country," while its iconic city, Cape Town, claimed the coveted title of "Best City in the World." I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all travellers who chose to explore our country and contributed to the tourism sector’s growth and to our economy. The support of travellers, both domestic and international, has played a crucial role in revitalizing 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.  Enquiries: Zara Nicholson Media Liaison Officer Cell: 079 416 5996 E-mail: [email protected]

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