(Ecofin Agency) - Tourist arrivals in South Africa reached 8.48 million visitors in 2023, marking a significant surge of 48.9% compared to 2022, data recently released by the South African Statistics Agency (Stats SA) showed.

Visitors from other African countries, numbering 6.4 million, constitute a substantial 75.6% of the total arrivals. Stats SA noted a sharp increase in the number of visitors from Zimbabwe and Kenya. 

Outside the continent, European tourist arrivals reached 1.2 million during the period under review, with 455,901 visitors from the Americas and 199,308 from Asia.

"This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travelers," an optimistic Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the South African tourism and travel industry is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.6% by 2032. It is expected to contribute 7.4% to the country's GDP and generate over 800,000 jobs by that time.