The Department of Tourism said that there has been an increase of over one million visitors to South Africa from the period of January 2025 to September 2025. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said these figures confirm that tourism has not only recovered but is once again driving economic growth. Tourism associations have welcomed the news.
The Department said that from January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year. “From January to September 2025, South Africa welcomed 7 634 261 international tourists, an impressive increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared to the same period last year.”
De Lille added that Tourism is proving itself a catalyst of economic growth and development. “The industry is creating jobs, stimulating investment, and revitalising local economies.”
The Department added that building on the positive trend reported in August, September alone recorded 846 367 visitors, an increase of 26.9% compared to September 2024. “This is a clear sign of growing global confidence in South Africa as a destination of choice. Building on the positive trend reported in August, September alone recorded 846 367 visitors, an increase of 26.9% compared to September 2024.”
Minister de Lille added that South Africa is ready to welcome the world this festive season with open arms, warm smiles, and world-class experiences. “I want to call on all South Africans to continue showing the spirit of ubuntu and hospitality that defines our nation. Whether you’re in a village, a small dorpie, the city, or at the coast, let’s make every visitor feel at home. Tourism is everyone’s business and together, we can make this the most joyful and successful festive season yet.”
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, the CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said that they are encouraged by the latest figures announced by the Department of Tourism showing that South Africa welcomed over 7.6 million international visitors between January and September 2025. “This is a clear sign of recovery and indicative that tourism is once again driving meaningful economic growth. This is particularly true of the KZN South Coast, where tourism remains our region’s economic lifeblood.”
Sibiya added that with the festive season approaching, they had received positive feedback from tourism establishments about a busy summer ahead. “The recent announcement that the KZN South Coast has retained the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province, along with two Green Coast Award recipients, reaffirms our position as one of South Africa’s in-demand coastal destinations. These international accolades underscore the quality, safety, and environmental excellence of our beaches, which are key drawcards for both domestic and international travellers.”
Brett Tungay, National Chairperson Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), said that they are very encouraged by the uptick in international arrivals – it’s great news for the tourism industry. “However, we do need to look more closely at the data to understand the full picture. Not all arrivals are traditional tourists; some visitors are entering on tourist visas for work or shopping. So, while the headline numbers are promising, a deeper analysis will give us a clearer sense of the true tourism impact. That said, we’re definitely seeing growth in foreign arrivals, which is brilliant.”
Tungay added that December is traditionally driven by domestic tourism rather than international arrivals, so the impact of foreign visitors during the festive season is limited. “We’re really interested in the number (and impact) of foreign arrivals from mid-January/February onwards. In terms of December, we’re expecting about a 5% to 6% revenue increase (over last year). That’s what we’re seeing in most of the forecasts; hopefully, it will be a bit better.”
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