South Africa Sees 30% Rise in Tourism, Driven by Regional Visitors
South Africa recorded a 30% year-on-year increase in international tourist arrivals in August 2025, with regional visitors from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) accounting for the majority. According to Statistics South Africa, over 3.2 million people entered the country that month, including 935,738 overnight foreign tourists. Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho led arrivals, with African travellers making up 79% of the total influx.
While the figures highlight continued recovery for the tourism sector, concerns remain regarding low spending and limited geographic dispersion of tourists. Many regional visitors are short-term, road-based travellers who do not engage extensively with the broader tourism economy. SATSA Chairperson Oupa Pilane warned that focusing mainly on Cape Town and Kruger National Park risks making South Africa a “two-destination country.” Industry stakeholders are calling for diversified marketing, enhanced air access, and improved visa processing to ensure sustained and inclusive growth.
Source: The South African
