How South Africa attracted 8.5 million tourists in 10 months
South Africa welcomed 8.56 million international visitors between January and October 2025, 1.3 million more than during the same period last year, placing the country firmly on a path of sustained tourism recovery.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the latest figures confirm the industry is once again a major driver of economic growth. “Tourism is creating jobs, stimulating investment and revitalising local economies,” she said.
October delivered 927,426 arrivals, a 32% jump compared to October 2024, making it one of the strongest months since before the pandemic. September also recorded a 26.9% increase, underscoring steady momentum.
Officials say the gains are the result of improved ease of travel, growing international air connectivity and new tourism products. De Lille also commended that the country’s 1.8 million tourism workers, calling them essential to the sector’s resilience and service quality.
“We are now in a period of sustained growth,” De Lille said. “South Africa is becoming more competitive, and visitors are responding.”
With the festive season approaching, the South African officials say the sector is preparing for what could be a record-breaking close to the year.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
