IN a landmark year for South Africa’s tourism industry, the nation welcomed almost 8 million international tourists in 2023. A melting pot of contrasts and diversity, South Africa has emerged as an exceptional tourist destination, enticing visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant mix of cultures that collectively offer a unique and enriching experience.
According to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa, the nation is experiencing sustained growth in the global travel industry, aiming to surpass pre-Covid figures and achieve over 10 million arrivals by March 2024. As the year draws to a close, South Africa celebrates a significant tourism rebound, with 7,620,873 visitors—an impressive 51.8 percent increase compared to the previous year.
African tourists played a pivotal role in this surge, constituting 5,754,625 arrivals and showcasing a remarkable growth of 53.4 percent compared to 2022. The leading source countries within the African region were Zimbabwe (1,898,136), Mozambique (1,212,559), and Lesotho (1,057,040).
Beyond the African continent, South Africa welcomed 1,114,293 visitors from Europe, 370,514 from North America, 40,740 from Central and South America, 94,806 from Australasia, 51,779 from the Middle East, and 182,497 from Asia.
A detailed breakdown of November 2023 reveals a total flow of 2,582,023 travellers, encompassing arrivals, departures, and transits. Of this total, 647,542 were South African residents, while 1,934,481 were foreign travellers. In November alone, South Africa received 195,549 international tourists, with Europe leading the visits at 66 percent, followed by North America (16.9 percent), Asia (8.7 percent), Australasia (4.2 percent), Central and South America (2.8 percent), and the Middle East (1.4 percent).
The top 10 international tourism source countries showcased a diverse mix, with the United Kingdom leading the ranking at 16.7 percent, followed by Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, France, India, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and Belgium. All these countries reported an increase in visits, with France experiencing the highest year-on-year growth at 41.4 percent.
Contributing significantly to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe (170,082), Mozambique (119,328), and Lesotho (83,982) led with a solid 71.8 percent. Outside the SADC, other African countries contributed 2.0%, with Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria standing out and contributing to 61.9 percent of this group.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille highlighted the importance of reviewing immigration regulations and visa requirements, especially with the increase in arrivals from Kenya. She emphasised the need for collaborative initiatives to reap mutual benefits.
In terms of transportation, road travel emerged as the primary means for 65.6 percent of travellers, while 33.8 percent opted for air transport. The breakdown of South African resident arrivals showed 26.3 percent choosing air transport, 73.3 percent road travel, and less than 0.3 percent by sea. Foreign travellers had 23.6 percent arriving by plane, 73.3 percent by road, and 0.3 percent by sea.
The demographic profile of foreign tourists highlighted a diverse distribution by ages and regions. Notably, visitors aged 25 to 34 represented a considerable proportion, reflecting the generational diversity of travellers.
South Africa continues to offer a rich tapestry of experiences, attracting tourists for various purposes. Most notably, 96.4 percent of African tourists visited for vacation purposes, showcasing the country’s allure for leisure. Differences in travel objectives emerged between SADC tourists and those from ‘other’ African countries, with variations in business and educational purposes.
This varied demographic profile and diverse travel purposes contribute to enriching the tourist experience in South Africa, offering a spectrum of offerings for those seeking everything from natural adventures to business opportunities and studies. The nation’s tourism industry looks poised for further growth, presenting an exciting landscape for both visitors and the local economy.