South Africa Welcomes Over 10M Tourists

(MENAFN) South Africa has shattered its tourism records after welcoming over 10 million international travelers throughout 2025, marking an unprecedented milestone that officials say demonstrates the sector's vital role in driving economic expansion and employment opportunities.

Patricia de Lille, the nation's Tourism Minister, announced that the country registered 10.48 million international arrivals spanning January through December 2025—representing a 17.6% surge compared to the previous year and establishing an all-time high for the destination.

"Tourism is working. Tourism is delivering. And tourism will remain a cornerstone of inclusive growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa," De Lille said.

During Tuesday's media briefing, the Minister stressed that tourism strategy functions as economic strategy, highlighting the sector's robust rebound, strengthened investor sentiment, and multiplying employment prospects.

The Department of Tourism reported that South Africa's international standing received additional recognition when Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Awards designated the nation as Best Destination: Africa 2025.

"This achievement reflects deliberate policy choices, focused implementation, and strong collaboration between the Government and the private sector," De Lille said.

Government leadership has approved a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, crafted collaboratively with industry stakeholders, aimed at accelerating continued development. A key priority involves simplifying entry procedures for South Africa, including deploying the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system across priority markets like India, China, Mexico, and Indonesia.

Full ETA implementation is projected to generate between 80,000 and 100,000 employment positions, while expanded aviation routes are strengthening international connectivity. New service additions include Qantas' direct Perth–Johannesburg connection, Air France's seasonal daily Cape Town flights, plus additional regional and domestic aviation links.

The tourism industry currently sustains approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect positions, with one employment opportunity emerging for roughly every 13 international visitors.

Capital investment in tourism facilities is accelerating rapidly. Eight substantial projects valued at approximately R1 billion launched during the 2025 Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, while the R2.5 billion Club Med development in KwaZulu-Natal reflects mounting sector confidence.

De Lille also emphasized technology's importance, referencing the introduction of Siyanda, an AI-driven travel assistant targeting North American tourists, alongside South Africa's expanding recognition for tourism and conservation innovation.

Regarding business tourism, South Africa captured 51 international conference and event bids during the current fiscal period, producing nearly R900 million in economic impact.

De Lille expressed gratitude toward industry collaborators, content creators, and tourism professionals nationwide, crediting their contributions as instrumental to exceeding the 10 million arrival threshold.

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