SA tourism stats: 51% more international visitors in 2023

International tourist arrivals from January to November 2023 totalled 7.6 million, representing a remarkable 51.8% increase compared to 2022.

This is according to the latest Statistics South Africa figures on international arrivals, which the Department of Tourism said shows the South African tourism sector’s rising momentum.

While recovery towards pre-Covid-19 numbers is encouraging, the department said this performance is 17.6% lower than in 2019.

However, the department believes South Africa remains an attractive destination for domestic and international travellers.

“The numbers show that the tourism sector is successfully driving travel to South Africa while shaping cultural exchanges and contributing to inclusive economic growth,” the department said.

Africa

During the first 11 months of 2023, South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from the rest of Africa, marking a significant 75.5% of all arrivals, compared to the same period in 2022.

• 1.9 million visitors were from Zimbabwe (77.5% growth).
• 37 414 tourists arrived from Kenya (94.2% growth).

Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille says the increase in visitors from Kenya could be attributed to the strategic decision by the government to simplify the visa regime earlier this year as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns.

Americas

Tourist arrivals from the Americas registered at 411 254, reflecting a 44.1% growth compared to the same period in 2022.

• 320 948 tourists from the United States visited South Africa (39.5% growth).

“The US remains a top international source market for South Africa and has been recording robust steady growth in arrivals in 2023,” said De Lille.

Based on December projections, the minister said they anticipate recording pre-pandemic arrivals, well ahead of the forecasted recovery mooted for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Europe 

With 1.1 million tourist arrivals, Europe contributed to 14.6% of the total arrivals, during the first 11 months of 2023, a 43.2% increase compared to 2022.

• 315 054 residents from the United Kingdom (30.4 % growth).
• 219 971 arrivals from Germany (47.9% growth).
• 117 948 arrivals from the Netherlands (48.4% growth).
• 25 116 arrivals from Russia.

De Lille said Russia exhibited a ‘dramaticֽ’ growth of 83.9%.

Asia 

The Asian markets also showed significant growth, with a total of 182 497 arrivals from the region, representing an astounding 72.6% when compared to the same period last year.

• 73 037 arrivals from India (46.3% growth).
• 34 669 arrivals from China (215.7% growth).

“The reopening of the Chinese market and the initiation of direct flight routes have catalysed a resurgence in arrivals, highlighting the vast potential and significance of this market to South African tourism,” the minister said.

Middle East 

The Middle East saw a robust increase, with 51 779 arrivals in the same period – a 37.5% growth.

• 15 507 arrivals from Saudi Arabia (40.9% growth).
• 6 360 arrivals from the United Arab Emirates (114.2% growth).

“I am committed to working with all partners and government colleagues to unlock barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns and limited air access and airlift so that we can grow our sector and meaningfully contribute to our country’s economy,” De Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za