South Africa’s tourism sector smashed records in 2025, welcoming 10.48 million international arrivals, a 17.6% jump from 2024 and the highest number ever recorded, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced on Tuesday.
“Tourism is working. Tourism is delivering,” said De Lille at a press briefing, reaffirming the sector’s role as a key engine of economic growth, investment, and job creation.
The country’s appeal continues to soar, with South Africa named Best Destination: Africa 2025 by the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards — a recognition the Minister credited to “deliberate policy choices, focused implementation, and strong public-private collaboration.”
The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, hosted a press briefing highlighting that tourism policy is economic policy, reaffirming tourism’s critical role as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/3nuIIc7jef
— KZN Tourism & Film – Visit KZN (@VisitKZN) January 28, 2026
Ease of Access and Connectivity are driving the surge. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, rolling out to markets including India, China, Mexico, and Indonesia, is expected to create 80,000–100,000 jobs.
New and expanded air routes, such as Qantas’ Perth–Johannesburg flight and Air France’s seasonal service to Cape Town, are boosting accessibility, while domestic connectivity improvements are opening more regional destinations to tourists.
The sector continues to support 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs, with roughly one job created for every 13 international arrivals.
Infrastructure investment is accelerating, including eight major projects worth R1 billion launched in 2025 and the R2.5 billion Club Med development in KwaZulu-Natal, signaling strong investor confidence.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has reaffirmed that tourism is a key driver of economic growth, investment and job creation in South Africa. #GovUpdates pic.twitter.com/diDv1RC6sC
— GCIS_North West (@GCISNorthWest) January 28, 2026
Tourism safety, marketing, and product development are also top priorities. Over 1,500 tourism monitors were deployed during the festive season, provincial destinations like KwaZulu-Natal recorded record visitor numbers, and new attractions like the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre are generating both revenue and interest.
Innovation is reshaping the industry, with initiatives such as the G20 Tourism Hackathon and Siyanda, an AI-powered travel assistant, highlighting South Africa’s growing reputation for tech-driven tourism solutions. The country also secured 51 international MICE bids, generating nearly R895 million in economic impact.
With tourism now a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, Minister De Lille said the government’s focus remains clear: “Tourism is not just travel. Tourism is growth, jobs, and investment for South Africa.”
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published on African Insider
