TOURISM NEWS - South Africa’s tourism sector is showing encouraging signs of recovery and growth, with international arrivals continuing to rise and June 2026 figures surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

More than 5.58 million international tourists visited South Africa between January and June 2026, representing a 12.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa’s June 2026 International Tourism release and analysis by the Department of Tourism.

The figures provide a positive backdrop to Tourism Month, which highlights the contribution of travel and tourism to economic growth, job creation and communities across the country.

Tourism growth reaches across the economy

Tourism supports a wide network of businesses and livelihoods, from hotels, guesthouses and tour operators to restaurants, transport companies, artists, crafters and community-owned enterprises.

Its economic footprint also extends beyond major tourism centres, creating opportunities in rural areas, townships, small towns and urban communities.

The latest figures show that both regional and overseas markets are contributing to the growth.

International arrivals from the rest of Africa increased by 14.3% during the first six months of 2026, while arrivals from overseas markets grew by 5.6%.

In June alone, South Africa recorded 823 365 international tourist arrivals, up 9.8% compared with June 2025.

Importantly, June 2026 arrivals were 12.1% higher than the corresponding pre-pandemic figure recorded in June 2019.

Making it easier to visit South Africa

The growth comes as government and the tourism industry continue efforts to attract visitors and investment while improving the experience of travelling to South Africa.

A recent partnership between the departments of Tourism and Public Works and Infrastructure is aimed at accelerating tourism infrastructure investment, strengthening project preparation and unlocking greater private-sector participation.

Government has also introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, designed to make travel authorisation faster and more predictable for eligible visitors while maintaining border-security measures.

The online system allows eligible travellers to apply from anywhere in the world without visiting a South African mission or visa-processing centre.

Public servants also play a role

Tourism Month coincides with Public Service Month, highlighting the contribution of public servants to the country's tourism environment.

While tourism businesses are at the forefront of welcoming visitors, many aspects of the visitor experience depend on public services and infrastructure.

These include facilitating movement through ports of entry, maintaining public infrastructure, protecting natural resources and heritage sites, and providing essential services.

Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System, Nomonde Mnukwa, says the two commemorative months provide an opportunity to recognise this connection.

She argues that professional and responsive public services can help strengthen confidence in South Africa as a destination for visitors, investors and business travellers.

South Africans encouraged to explore locally

International visitors are only one part of the tourism equation.

Domestic tourism remains an important contributor to the sector, supporting local businesses and jobs throughout the year.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has encouraged South Africans to travel within the country and support local tourism businesses.

Tourism Month therefore also provides an opportunity for residents to explore destinations closer to home — from major attractions and heritage sites to smaller towns, nature destinations and community-based tourism experiences.

Tourism and confidence in the country

The latest arrival figures point to continued demand for South Africa as a tourism destination, while the sector's contribution extends well beyond the number of visitors crossing the country's borders.

Tourism connects accommodation, transport, hospitality, entertainment, culture, conservation and small businesses, creating economic activity in communities across the country.

As South Africa marks Tourism Month, the sector's growth also highlights the role of collaboration between government, businesses and communities in developing tourism opportunities and strengthening the country's visitor economy. 

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine 

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