Tourism remains a powerful economic driver in South Africa and across the continent, says Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
“In 2024, South Africa alone welcomed 8.9 million tourists, and their direct spending contribution was R91.6 billion, supporting an estimated 1.6 million jobs,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
She was speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 – a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade – which is currently underway in Durban.
Tourism in South Africa makes a significant contribution to the economy, creating jobs and independent livelihoods.
“In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa welcomed close to 2.6 million tourists, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to the same period in 2024,” de Lille said.
According to UN Tourism, in 2024, tourism in Africa saw a sharp rebound, with a 96% recovery compared to 2019, positioning the continent among the world’s fastest-growing regional tourism destinations.
“I am proud to announce that this year’s Indaba welcomes over 1300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries and over 1200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets.
“The tourism economy of tomorrow is African. It is diverse, youthful, digital, and green. But we know that we cannot rest. We need to break through to a much higher rate of growth. We need a plan we can implement immediately,” de Lille said.
The Minister said 75% of South Africa’s international arrivals come from the rest of Africa.
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“Our collective presence here signifies more than market access – it signals Africa’s readiness to lead, innovate, and inspire the global tourism landscape.
“We are especially honoured to welcome new participants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso, whose presence affirms Indaba’s growing role as a truly continental platform,” the Minister said.
The Minister said it was fitting that the G20 2nd Tourism Working Group meeting was taking place on the sidelines of Africa’s Travel Indaba. She said this placed African tourism at the centre of global dialogue.
The department is working on finalising a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan for the next 5 years. With the plan, the department aim to grow total employment from approximately 1 840 000 in 2024 to 2 500 000 jobs; grow domestic spend by 25%; grow GDP contribution from approximately 8.8% in 2024 to 10% as well as welcome an extra one million international air arrivals annually.
