As South Africa continues to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism sector posted a remarkable 5.1% growth, with the country seeing a significant influx of visitors arriving primarily from the African continent.

The latest figures shared by the Department of Tourism with Saturday Star reveal that Africa remains the dominant source of international arrivals, contributing an impressive 76% of the total tourist count in 2024.

Building on the positive trend observed since the pandemic, the country now sees 6.8 million tourist arrivals from Africa, with Zimbabwe leading the charge as the top source market.

In a remarkable resurgence, Zimbabwean visitors increased by 3.6%, reaching 2 183 260 arrivals this year. Meanwhile, Ghana achieved an outstanding 149% leap in numbers, now totalling 36 656 tourists.

Speaking about the latest data, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille specifically praised Ghana’s remarkable rise in tourist numbers, attributing this growth to the recent visa waiver that eliminates barriers for travelers.

“Ghana’s immense performance can be attributed to the fact that travelers between Ghana and South Africa no longer need visas to travel between the two countries. This, coupled with increased airlift-targeted marketing initiatives by South African Tourism, makes for a winning formula for the growth of our sector,” she added.

The department also highlights that the tourism sector's resilience is reflected in its contribution of 8.8% to the nation’s GDP and the support of approximately 1.68 million jobs, as estimated by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This steady growth occurs despite global economic pressures which have affected various industries worldwide.

“The tourism sector is a strong contributor to the economy and job creation. We are determined to continue with this momentum and push the numbers much higher so that we can grow our contribution to economic growth and job creation even further. South Africa remains attractive and accessible for all travellers to enjoy, and we thank all international and domestic travellers for exploring our beautiful country and contributing to the tourism sector’s performance,” said De Lille.

It is also revealed that on the global stage, South Africa’s promotional efforts towards attracting visitors from beyond the continent are beginning to yield results.

Tourist arrivals from the Americas surged by 10.9%, totalling 505,579 in 2024. The United States remained the top overseas market, with 372,362 visitors, an increase of 5.2% from the previous year.

The country is also witnessing a dramatic rise in arrivals from Brazil, boosted by the enhanced direct air connectivity and effective marketing strategies.

European markets also displayed a mixed performance. Although overall arrivals grew by only 1.1% to reach 1,258,706 in 2024, certain countries experienced noteworthy growth. Germany saw a 4.0% increase in arrivals, while the UK, despite still being the leading European source, faced a slight decline.

In contrast, the Middle East experienced a sharp drop of 16.1%, but arrivals from Saudi Arabia rebounded with a 12.1% increase, indicating potential for recovery in this region.

As part of its strategic response to these fluctuating numbers, the South African Department of Tourism believes in the crucial role of continued investment in air connectivity and marketing initiatives.

“While Europe’s growth is slower compared to other regions, it remains a bedrock for overseas arrivals,” the department stated.

The department further emphasised the need for focused campaigns to highlight South Africa's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As the country moves forward, the overall trajectory signifies a burgeoning sector ready to uplift local economies and foster cultural exchange, ensuring that South Africa remains a favoured destination on the global tourism map.

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za