South Africa has reported a 12.8% increase in international tourist arrivals between January and May 2026, drawing a total of 4,220,586 visitors compared to the previous year, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This surge highlights the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving accessibility, and diversifying attractions across the nation.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille expressed her delight at these positive results, stating, ‘These results affirm that our decision to invest in tourism infrastructure, improve ease of access, and diversify our tourism offerings across the country is paying off.
‘South Africa’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the combination of our people, our natural beauty, our rich heritage, and our world-class infrastructure. Together, they continue to position our country as a destination of choice,’
Among the early statistics, May 2026 alone saw 861 750 international arrivals, marking a 7.2% increase when juxtaposed with the same period last year. A significant contributor to this growth came from international tourists, which saw an impressive 12.1% rise.
Visitors from the United States led the charge with 41 846 arrivals, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 22 160 tourists.
The increase from South America, particularly Brazil, has also been noteworthy. In May 2026, South Africa experienced a staggering 40.6% rise in arrivals from Brazil, jumping from 4 737 to 6 660.
Such growth is promising, especially as LATAM Airlines gears up to launch its new direct service between Cape Town and São Paulo on 2 July 2026. The airline will operate three flights per week as part of its effort to bolster connectivity between South Africa and Latin America.
Minister de Lille highlighted the significance of this development: ‘We are particularly encouraged by the strong growth from Brazil as LATAM Airlines prepares to launch its direct service. Every new air route creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
‘This latest expansion is another vote of confidence in South Africa’s tourism market and aligns with the Cabinet-approved Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which is focused on strengthening direct connectivity and unlocking new source markets.’
Article by Sibuliso Duba for Cape ETC
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