Four million tourists visit South Africa in the first half of 2023
The tourism sector in South Africa is experiencing a strong and encouraging recovery, as indicated by the latest data from Statistics South Africa for the first half of 2023. The number of tourist arrivals surpassed 4 million, marking a significant increase from the 2.3 million arrivals in the same period of 2022.
This robust growth is evident across all regions, although it is important to note that the current progress represents 80% of pre-pandemic capacity. In 2019, South Africa welcomed over 5 million tourists during January to June.
The African continent remains the primary source of tourist arrivals for South Africa, with 3,083,583 visitors arriving between January and June 2023, representing a remarkable 79.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Both land and air arrivals from Africa experienced substantial growth, reaching 81.6% and 44.5%, respectively.
South Africa's efforts to attract visitors from other regions have also yielded positive results. Australasia saw a notable increase of 141%, with 50,882 visitors arriving between January and June 2023, compared to 21,108 in the same period last year. The Asia region almost doubled its figures, recording a growth of 99.5%, from 47,912 to 95,596 visitors.
Europe, which is the largest source of visitors outside Africa, also displayed solid growth of 66.8%, with 594,388 visitors during January to June 2023, compared to 356,352 in the same period in 2022. North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East also contributed to the positive trends, with growth rates of 70.6%, 74.4%, and 75.8%, respectively.
These impressive figures highlight South Africa's charm and allure as a tourist destination, showcasing the effectiveness of the country's marketing strategies. The rise in arrivals from various regions indicates a global trend of post-pandemic travel recovery, which has a positive impact on the country's economy.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has played a significant role in this positive trend, contributing to sustained and accelerated economic growth. South Africa's diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, unique wildlife, and wide-open spaces continue to attract travelers from around the world, solidifying its place as an appealing destination.
The country's recent recognition as the "Best Country" and Cape Town as the "Best City in the World" by the UK's Telegraph Travel publication adds to its appeal and reputation as a must-visit destination.
South Africa expresses its deep gratitude to all travelers, both domestic and international, for choosing to explore the country and supporting the tourism sector's growth and the economy. The tourism private sector's hard work and dedication in promoting South Africa as a must-see destination and offering exceptional hospitality to visitors are also acknowledged and appreciated.
South Africa remains open for tourism, eagerly welcoming more tourists from across Africa and the globe to experience its diverse cultures and heritage. As the country grows stronger each day, the goal is to surpass pre-COVID-19 arrival numbers and continue to revitalize the economy and tourism sector.
