South Africa’s tourism sector is continuing its strong growth, with 991,696 international tourists arriving in the country in July 2026.
That represents a 12.5% increase compared with July 2025.
For the first seven months of 2026, international arrivals reached 6.58 million, up 12.4% year-on-year.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the growth is becoming more geographically diverse, with arrivals from Africa increasing by 14.3%, while overseas arrivals rose by 5.7%.
She said the government, together with the private sector, would build on the momentum through initiatives such as the newly launched digital visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
Tourism has also been identified as one of four key sectors expected to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership.
In 2024, tourism supported 954,000 direct jobs and contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP.
That represents a 12.5% increase compared with July 2025.
For the first seven months of 2026, international arrivals reached 6.58 million, up 12.4% year-on-year.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the growth is becoming more geographically diverse, with arrivals from Africa increasing by 14.3%, while overseas arrivals rose by 5.7%.
She said the government, together with the private sector, would build on the momentum through initiatives such as the newly launched digital visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
Tourism has also been identified as one of four key sectors expected to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership.
In 2024, tourism supported 954,000 direct jobs and contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP.
