International arrivals to South Africa climbed to 7.6 million during the first nine months of this year, marking an increase of more than 1.1 million compared with the same period in 2024. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced the figures show complete recovery and expansion for the sector, which continues gaining momentum as an employment generator. September recorded 846,367 visitors, representing a 26.9 percent rise from the previous year's ninth month.
African nations delivered the strongest gains, with land crossings up 26.7 percent and air travel rising 28 percent. The Democratic Republic of Congo sent 58 percent more travelers, while Nigerian arrivals jumped 42 percent. European markets expanded 29 percent, led by Britain's 35 percent growth and Germany's 31 percent climb. Canadian visits surged 47 percent as North American traffic rose 22 percent overall. Middle Eastern arrivals posted the steepest regional advance at 58 percent.
De Lille credited coordinated marketing efforts and the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan for building global confidence in the destination. Domestic spending should reach 445 billion rand in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3.8 percent, while employment could surpass 1.5 million positions.
African nations delivered the strongest gains, with land crossings up 26.7 percent and air travel rising 28 percent. The Democratic Republic of Congo sent 58 percent more travelers, while Nigerian arrivals jumped 42 percent. European markets expanded 29 percent, led by Britain's 35 percent growth and Germany's 31 percent climb. Canadian visits surged 47 percent as North American traffic rose 22 percent overall. Middle Eastern arrivals posted the steepest regional advance at 58 percent.
De Lille credited coordinated marketing efforts and the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan for building global confidence in the destination. Domestic spending should reach 445 billion rand in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3.8 percent, while employment could surpass 1.5 million positions.
