South Africa’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, recording a 5.7% increase in inbound visitors between January and October 2024, according to South African Tourism (SAT).
The country welcomed 7.2 million visitors during this period, marking a significant recovery from previous years. Early indicators from the festive season suggest continued strong performance, with high occupancy rates and robust participation in events across the nation.
In the business events segment, SAT secured 53 bids for international conferences and events for the 2024/2025 financial year, which began in April 2024. These events are projected to generate approximately 616 million rands (around $33 million USD) and attract over 24,000 delegates between 2024 and 2029. This milestone reinforces South Africa’s position as a leading destination for global conferences, offering world-class facilities and unique cultural experiences.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the potential of South Africa’s nature-based tourism sector to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. Highlighting the country’s unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, he noted that tourism plays a vital role in economic development and job creation. As host of the first-ever G20 summit on African soil, South Africa aims to leverage this platform to showcase its tourism offerings to the world.
SAT reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable growth in tourism, focusing on inclusivity, economic impact, and environmental stewardship. With continued momentum in both leisure and business tourism, South Africa is positioning itself as a global leader in the sector, while contributing meaningfully to the reduction of unemployment and the growth of the national economy.
Further Africa