South Africa Welcomes Over 1 Million Tourists in One Month – Here’s Where They’re From

South Africa recently welcomed over one million foreign tourists in just one month, marking a major milestone for its tourism sector. This surge reflects growing confidence in the country as a top travel destination, attracting visitors from neighbouring African countries and farther abroad. With people arriving for holidays and leisure, the tourism boom is revitalizing local economies and showcasing South Africa’s unique cultural and natural offerings.

Record Numbers Cross South African Borders

In June 2025, South Africa’s ports of entry recorded about 2.7 million travellers, including arrivals, departures, and transit visitors. Among these, over 1.04 million were foreign nationals arriving in the country, surpassing the 882,000 departures. This net inflow represents an 11.5% increase compared to June 2024, signaling renewed interest in South Africa from global travellers.

Southern African Neighbours Dominate Tourist Arrivals

The majority, approximately 79%, of incoming tourists came from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Zimbabwe and Mozambique led with over 160,000 visitors each, while Lesotho exceeded 100,000 arrivals. These nearby countries remain vital to South Africa’s tourism growth due to ease of travel and strong cultural ties.

International Visitors Mainly from the US, UK, and Australia

Overseas tourists contributed fewer numbers but still play a key role. The United States led with just over 41,200 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom at nearly 17,000, and Australia with about 10,200 tourists. Though smaller in number, these markets bring valuable spending power and diverse interests, boosting South Africa’s appeal beyond its regional base.

Holiday Travel Remains the Leading Purpose

An overwhelming 97.1% of tourists said their main reason for visiting was vacation or holiday-related activities. This includes leisure trips, visiting family, or attending events. Other purposes like business or medical tourism made up only a small fraction of visits, reinforcing South Africa’s strong image as a holiday destination.

Male Tourists Outnumber Female Tourists

Gender demographics revealed that 59.3% of tourists were male, compared to 40.7% female. This detail offers insights for industry stakeholders seeking to tailor marketing and services to visitor profiles, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.

Growing Importance of Regional Tourism

The heavy presence of SADC visitors highlights regional travel’s importance. Convenient air and road links across neighbouring countries lower barriers to travel. Visitors from other African nations like Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria made up just 2% of arrivals, suggesting room for growth in continental tourism cooperation.

Economic Boost from Tourism Surge

The influx of tourists delivers strong economic gains. Hotels, restaurants, transport companies, and craft markets report heightened demand and increased revenue. “Tourism generates jobs and supports livelihoods across multiple sectors,” economic analysts confirm. Foreign currency earnings also help the nation’s broader economy rebound.

Industry Leaders Call for Adaptation and Innovation

David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Service Association, emphasized the sector’s need to evolve: “We cannot afford to be complacent. To stay globally competitive, we must continue to diversify and meet evolving traveller expectations.” Likewise, Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa, noted positive industry shifts: “For the first time, ideas are not only being developed jointly, but action plans are being put in place. This shift has the potential to be a game-changer for tourism in South Africa.”

Future Outlook Bright Despite Challenges

While growth is promising, challenges such as infrastructure demand and environmental concerns persist. Experts call for strategic investment in facilities and sustainability to maintain momentum. South Africa’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality position it well for continued tourist interest.

South Africa’s Tourism Recovery Reflects Global Trends

This surge aligns with worldwide increases in travel post-pandemic. Strong regional visitor numbers alongside key international markets confirm South Africa’s status as a preferred destination. The tourism sector looks poised for further expansion and economic benefits in the near future.

Tourist Arrivals by Country and Region (June 2025)