SA records strong growth in international tourism
South Africa recorded a 12.3% increase in international tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2026, with more than 5.5 million visitors and continued growth from African and overseas markets.
South Africa's tourism sector has recorded strong growth during the first six months of this year, welcoming more than 5.5-million international visitors.
This is a 12.3% increase compared with the same period last year.
June arrivals also rose by nearly 10% compared to the same period last year, with strong growth from African markets.
South Africa welcomed 823,365 international tourists during June.
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For the second consecutive month, the US was South Africa's leading overseas source market, with some 40,500 Americans visiting the country.
“Once again, the deliberate decision to diversify our tourism products is yielding positive results,” said Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
“The sustained growth in both regional and overseas arrivals reflects the resilience of our tourism sector and the effectiveness of the partnerships we have built with industry and our international markets.
“We will continue strengthening these relationships through joint marketing initiatives, across the African continent, while expanding our reach into strategic overseas markets,” the minister promised.
