By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa recorded a 30% year-on-year increase in international tourist arrivals, signaling continued recovery and growth for the country’s tourism sector.
According to data, over 3.2 million visitors entered the country, with 935,738 foreign tourists staying overnight between January and August this year, a 15.8% rise compared to the same period last year.
Regional Highlights include the following: Europe saw arrivals grow by 20.8%, led by the UK with +28.9% and Germany +33.6%, Central and South America surged by 63.6%, with Brazil at +77.2% and Argentina +85.5%, showing exceptional performance.
This was followed by Australasia which rose by 38.0%, while Asia grew by 21.1%, driven by Indonesia with +100.7% and Malaysia +67.8% despite softer numbers from China and India.
The Middle East arrivals climbed to 82.2%, led by Saudi Arabia with +129.3% and the UAE +98.3%.
Africa land arrivals rose by 31.8%, supported by Lesotho with +110.2% and Mozambique showcasing +36.8%, while Africa air arrivals increased to 26.3%, driven by Nigeria with +46.6%) and the DRC to +75.9%.
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille welcomed the continued upward trend in South Africa’s international arrivals.
“This increase in visitor numbers reflects the strong demand for South Africa’s rich cultural and natural offerings, positioning the country as a top tourism destination in Southern Africa, said De Lille.
“These numbers tell a story of confidence and recovery. Tourism is not just leisure, it is an economic engine that supports nearly two million jobs, added the minister.
“The increase in international arrivals come as the country prepares to roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The G20 Leader’s Summit delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico will be the first to use the system. Upon its full implementation, ETA will create between 800 000 to 1 million jobs in the tourism sector,” she said.
Meanwhile De Lille and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will undertake a working visit to the Türkiye to co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Türkiye, scheduled to take place on 15 October 2025 in Ankara, Türkiye.
The purpose of the BNC is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic and social cooperation between South Africa and Türkiye.
Subsequently, the Deputy President will travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business Forum (TABEF) taking place on 16-17 October 2025.
South Africa’s participation at the TABEF and bilateral meetings with key role players are expected to elevate trade relations with Türkiye and cement South Africa’s position as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a key partner in Africa and the Global South.