• South Africa recorded 10.48 million tourists in 2025, up 17.6%

• Tourism minister cites policy focus, public-private collaboration

• Sector drives jobs, GDP, backed by 2025-2030 growth plan

South Africa welcomed 10.48 million international tourist arrivals between January and December 2025, up 17.6% from 2024, marking a record for the country. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille made the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.

The figures highlight tourism’s growing contribution to the national economy, the minister said.

“Tourism is working. Tourism is delivering. And tourism will remain a cornerstone of inclusive growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa,” she said.

De Lille said the results reflect deliberate policy decisions, focused implementation, and close collaboration between the government and the private sector.

South Africa also received international recognition after being named “Best Destination: Africa 2025” by the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards, presented annually by Travel Weekly magazine.

The announcement comes as the African continent recorded an 8% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to 2024, the strongest growth globally, according to UN Tourism data.

Tourism contributes significantly to the South African economy and could play an even greater role in GDP and job creation, particularly for young people. In 2024, it accounted for 8.4% of GDP and directly employed more than 730,000 people.

In this context, the government approved the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan 2025-2030, a strategy aimed at positioning tourism as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and employment.

The sector generated 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs, equivalent to roughly one job for every 13 international arrivals.

Lydie Mobio