SA records nearly 1 million tourist arrivals in July

Source: ©Brian Jackson via 123RF

International tourist arrivals for the first seven months of 2026 reached 6,576,169, up 12.4% from the same period in 2025.

African arrivals lead growth

Arrivals from African markets increased by 14.3% year on year between January and July, while overseas arrivals grew by 5.7%.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the figures showed that growth was becoming more geographically diversified. “The data reveals that the growth is becoming geographically diversified, which has been one of our strategic priorities.

"Together with the private sector and stakeholders we’ll continue to build on this momentum through the recently launched digital visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation system,” says Minister de Lille.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently identified tourism as one of four sectors targeted to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation and build confidence under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership and Operation Vulindlela.

In 2024, tourism sustained 954,000 direct jobs and contributed 4.9% to GDP.