SA Tourism recovery continues to accelerate
Tourism remains one of South Africa’s most strategically important sectors, serving as both a major employer and a vital driver of inclusive economic growth. Contributing roughly 7% to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent years and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across hospitality, transport, retail, and creative industries, the sector plays a critical role in stimulating local economies and attracting foreign investment. Its ability to unlock opportunities in rural and urban centres alike makes tourism a cornerstone of South Africa’s broader economic development agenda.
This recovery gained further momentum on the global stage with South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20, which brought influential leaders, delegates, and media from around the world to the country. The event not only showcased South Africa’s world-class infrastructure and hospitality but reaffirmed confidence in the local tourism and business travel ecosystem. With international arrivals strengthening and global visibility improving, the sector’s accelerating rebound signals a renewed era of opportunity for operators, entrepreneurs, and the broader trade community.
Recent data releases showcase this recovery:
A comparison between the movements in September 2025 and October 2025 indicates that the volume of arrivals and departures increased for both South African residents and foreign travellers, whereas that of transits decreased for both groups of travellers. For South African residents, the volume of arrivals increased by 8,4% (from 381 185 in September 2025 to 413 053 in October 2025), departures increased by 0,3% (from 395 448 in September 2025 to 396 582 in October 2025) and transits decreased by 15,4% (from 648 in September 2025 to 548 in October 2025).
For foreign travellers, arrivals increased by 6,7% (from 1 156 606 in September 2025 to 1 234 559 in October 2025), departures increased by 3,1% (from 1 001 265 in September 2025 to 1 032 351 in October 2025), and transits
decreased by 11,7% (from 52 947 in September 2025 to 46 765 in October 2025).
A comparison between the movements in October 2024 and October 2025 indicates that the volume of arrivals, departures and transits increased for both groups of travellers
Tourist accommodation statistics
Looking at the recently released StatsSA data, is informative.
South Africa’s tourist accommodation sector continued to show steady recovery in September 2025, with total industry income rising 4.8% year-on-year in nominal terms. Income from accommodation grew even faster, increasing 6.1%, driven largely by a 6.6% rise in stay-unit nights sold, although this was partially offset by a slight 0.5% dip in average income per night.
Hotels remained the strongest contributor to industry growth, posting a 6.9% increase and accounting for nearly four percentage points of the annual rise. The “other accommodation” category – which includes guesthouses, lodges, self-catering units and related establishments – grew by 5.5%, contributing two percentage points.
Looking at quarterly performance, accommodation income was 10% higher in Q3 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Once again, hotels led with a sharp 13.8% increase, supported by 6.2% growth in the broader accommodation segment. This reinforces the sector’s ongoing recovery and the strong rebound in both domestic and international travel activity.
However, short-term momentum softened, with seasonally adjusted income declining 4.4% month-on-month in September after a 3.7% increase in August. For trade-focused stakeholders, the data suggests a resilient upward trend overall, though monthly volatility highlights the need for continued support, investment, and market access initiatives to sustain industry growth.
Occupancy rates show pleasing trend
The Department of Tourism shared the following graphic showcasing a the recovery across accommodation types. While the recovery is building momentum, this provides a clear visual representation that the sector is only just returning to pre COVID levels.
The data points to a time for optimism in the tourism sector
As South Africa’s tourism sector continues its encouraging recovery, the momentum is creating a fresh wave of opportunity for entrepreneurs, operators, and service providers across the value chain. The renewed demand – both domestic and international – signals not just a return to pre-pandemic activity, but the emergence of a more diverse, innovative and resilient industry.
For businesses willing to adapt, collaborate, and invest in high-quality experiences, the current landscape presents a rare window to capture growth and contribute meaningfully to one of the country’s most vital economic engines. South Africa’s tourism revival is well underway – and the next chapter belongs to those ready to seize it.
