During H1 2023, South Africa recorded four million tourist arrivals, providing evidence that the “implementation of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has gained traction and is contributing to sustained, accelerated economic growth,” according to Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille.
The January to June figures from Statistics South Africa indicate that overall arrivals rose by 78.2% from the same period in 2022 (2.3 million arrivals).
“Although the current growth demonstrates signs of recovery, we are still operating at 80% of our pre-pandemic capacity,” said De Lille, pointing out that the country welcomed more than five million tourists in H1 2019.
Increase a ‘testament to marketing efforts’
Boosted by the dropping of COVID restrictions, all of South Africa’s overseas source markets recorded strong increases in arrivals in H1 2023 compared with last year. Europe grew by 66.8%, North America by 70.6%, Asia by 99.5%, Australasia by 141%, Central and South America by 74.4% and the Middle East by 75.8%.
“These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice. The substantial increase, particularly from Australasia and Asia, underlines and reflects the global trend towards post-pandemic travel recovery,” said De Lille.
She also welcomed the strong contribution from the African region. Africa land arrivals increased by a significant 81.6% while Africa arrivals by air recorded a growth of 44.5%.
“We are pleased with the number of visitors that our country continues to receive from the rest of the African continent. This is a testament to the marketing efforts that we have implemented to attract tourists from this region. Africa remains a key source market for us.”
Between May and June this year, as the peak of the low season set in, overall overseas arrivals decreased by 7% (from 132 443 to 123 069).
Click here to view our interactive map of the latest overseas inbound statistics.
Gratitude to travellers
With South Africa recently being honoured by Telegraph Travel readers as the world’s ‘Best Country’, and Cape Town as the world’s ‘Best City’, De Lille expressed her gratitude to travellers who had placed faith in the country.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all travellers who chose to explore our country and contributed to the tourism sector’s growth and to our economy. The support of travellers, both domestic and international, has played a crucial role in revitalising our economy and restoring vibrancy to our tourism sector,” said De Lille.
She thanked the private sector for their “hard work to grow our tourism offering, promote South Africa as a must-see destination and for their amazing hospitality in welcoming and hosting our visitors”.
