Kenya and Zimbabwe Drive African Tourism Boom in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES 5.8 MILLION AFRICAN TOURISTS IN 2023, WITH ZIMBABWE AND KENYA LEADING. STRONG GROWTH FROM THE AMERICAS AND ASIA, INDICATING CONTINUED APPEAL. MINISTER DE LILLE STRESSES COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GROWTH.

South Africa witnessed a tourism surge, with 5.8 million African visitors from January to November 2023, marking a substantial 75.5% increase from the same period in 2022.

African Nations Lead the Way for South African Tourism

In this travel boom, Zimbabwe stood out with 1.9 million tourists, while Kenya contributed 37,414 visitors. Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille attributed Kenya’s success to a streamlined visa process and effective marketing campaigns.

Minister De Lille highlighted the need for collaboration to address barriers like visa regulations, safety concerns, and limited air access. South Africa’s captivating landscapes and tourism offerings are crucial for sustained growth.

Americas & Asia’s Growing Interest

International tourist arrivals from the Americas totaled 7.6 million, showing a significant 51.8% increase from 2022. The United States dominated, contributing 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5% increase.

South Africa recorded 182,497 arrivals from Asia, with India leading at 73,037 and China closely following with 34,669 arrivals. Minister De Lille emphasized the need for policy revisions to unlock more tourism potential.

The USA, a key source market, demonstrated robust growth with 44.1% more arrivals, reaching 411,254 tourists between January and November 2023. Minister De Lille anticipates surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 arrivals.

Conclusion: South Africa’s Allure Continues

With a continuous surge in tourism, South Africa remains an attractive destination, poised for sustained growth. Minister De Lille expressed gratitude for South Africans’ hospitality, underlining the nation’s relentless commitment to tourism.