More than 5 million tourists visited South Africa in 2026

According to the South African Department of Tourism, the country received 5,584,473 international tourists between January and June 2026, an increase of 12.3% over the same period in 2025.
The main increase occurred on the African continent. The number of African travelers increased by 14.3% in the first half of 2026, while the number of tourists from other countries increased by 5.6%.
A steady increase in the number of visitors is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the industry. The tourism business affects aviation, housing, food and beverages, retail and leisure infrastructure.
FURTHER AFRICA