South Africa’s tourism industry is not just recovering; it is soaring to new heights, with new data showcasing how it has transformed into a robust engine of economic growth and job creation, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images
According to the latest Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa report, the sector flourished in 2024, recording an impressive 953,981 direct jobs, which equates to 5.7% of the country’s labour force.
This translates to approximately one in every 18 workers being directly employed in tourism, a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy.
Furthermore, the report indicates that tourism’s contribution to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose to 4.9% in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic contribution of 3.7% seen in 2019.
Remarkably, the tourism sector has outperformed key sectors such as agriculture, utilities and construction, signifying its vital importance in the country’s economic framework.
The financial footprint of tourism has also seen a remarkable resurgence, with a total expenditure reaching R779.2 billion.
This figure comprises both domestic and inbound tourism expenditures, with domestic tourists leading the charge at R665.3 billion, while international visitors contributed R113.9 billion.
‘This once again reaffirms that domestic tourists are the bedrock of the sector in our country,’ remarked Minister Patricia de Lille, highlighting the significance of local vacationers in bolstering the economy and creating jobs, all while noting the ongoing recovery in international tourism.
The momentum continues, as the country witnessed a record of 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025. Early 2026 has also seen a significant uptick, with nearly 2 million visitors welcomed in just the first two months:
- January 2026: 1,133,533 arrivals (12.4% increase compared to January 2025)
- February 2026: 864,534 arrivals (13.1% increase compared to February 2025)
De Lille anticipates that these numbers will continue to rise, driven by the ongoing rollout of the Electronic Travellers Authorisation and a proactive marketing strategy that aims to position South Africa as a top choice for affordable holidays and a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
These impressive figures and positive forecasts are largely attributed to the effective implementation of the Cabinet-approved Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a strategic framework developed collaboratively by the government and the private sector.
Article shared by Cape ETC
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ:
