According to the Tourism Satellite Account report by Statistics South Africa, 5.7% of the country’s labour force was supported by the tourism sector in 2024. Tourism also accounted for 4.9% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product within the same year, rising from 3.7% in 2019 before the pandemic. Domestic traveller spending amounted to R665.3 billion, whereas international visitors amounted to R113.9 billion.

Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, commented, “This once again reaffirms that domestic tourists are the bedrock of the sector in our country. They contribute significantly to the sector’s role in growing our economy and creating jobs, while international tourism continues to strengthen.

“We expect further growth in international arrivals with the rollout of the Electronic Travellers Authorisation and our marketing strategy as we position South Africa as an affordable holiday and MICE destination of choice.”

Darul Ihsan Media Desk