South Africa’s tourism industry has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming 10.48 million international visitors in 2025, a milestone the authorities say has reinforced the country’s economic recovery. This rebound reflects renewed global confidence in the destination, as well as the growing contribution of tourism to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and small business activity across the country.
South Africa’s tourism sector reached a significant milestone in 2025, with 10.48 million international arrivals recorded between January and December, a 17.6% increase on 2024 and the highest number ever recorded according to the Department of Tourism. This robust performance further solidified the sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth, supporting employment and revenue generation across sectors such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and related services. The authorities attribute this growth to improved air connectivity, stronger destination marketing, and closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, South Africa’s recognition as the Best Destination: Africa 2025 further underscored its rising global appeal.
We’ve now, for the first time, exceeded the 2019 arrivals by 2.6%. So now I don’t want to hear about COVID anymore. We are not recovering anymore, we are growing now.
Patricia de Lille , Minister of tourism
Also, the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which has been endorsed by the Cabinet, emphasises the importance of improving access for travellers, including the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in key source markets, and highlights the new international air routes that have strengthened South Africa’s connectivity. According to officials, the sector supports approximately 1.8 million jobs, with roughly one job created for every 13 international arrivals.
Colleagues, this is not a coincidence. It is the result of deliberate policy choices, focused implementation and strong collaboration between government and the private sector. And these policies include the government’s growth and inclusion strategy gains, which has also identified tourism as one of the five key sectors in our country that can unlock economic growth.
Patricia de Lille , Minister of tourism
Investment in tourism infrastructure has also expanded, with major projects and developments signalling confidence from domestic and international investors. With the sector now firmly on an upward trajectory, the Minister for Tourism says the focus will be on sustaining growth, expanding regional connectivity, and leveraging new travel technologies to attract an even broader range of global visitors.
