Stats SA indicates that the tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, with total arrivals hitting 8.92 million in 2024, reflecting a notable 5.1% increase from 2023. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
South Africa’s tourism sector is showing signs of resurgence as total arrivals soared to 8.92 million in 2024, marking a significant 5.1% increase from the previous year and nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
This promising data, highlighted by the KZN Film and Tourism Authority (KZNTAFA) and the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) on Tuesday, showcases a resilient industry determined to regain its footing.
KZNTAFA said that the United Nations World Tourism Barometer, indicates that international tourism has almost reached pre-pandemic levels (99%) in 2024.
“Africa saw a 7% increase in arrivals when compared to 2019 and a 12% rise in comparison to 2023.”
Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairperson of KZNTAFA, stated that the United Nations World Tourism Barometer indicates international tourism has nearly returned to pre-pandemic rates, with Africa experiencing a notable 7% rise in arrivals since 2019 and a 12% increase compared to 2023.
“Our overall target is for more international tourists, but primarily, we are focused on growing the domestic market,” he said.
Ndebele acknowledged the current economic climate may shift travellers' preferences toward more cost-effective trips closer to home.
According to data, KZN’s hotel occupancy rates saw an increase from December 10, 2024, to January 6, 2025, when compared to the previous year.
Short-term rentals experienced a similar uplift, climbing from 37 780 to 44 102. Some district municipalities in the region exceeded 80% occupancy, demonstrating the strength of KZN as a holiday destination.
Preliminary statistics for eThekwini and Durban paint a positive picture for the local economy. In December, occupancy was 79%, with figures from January 1 to 16 hovering around 61%.
The influx of total visitors from December 1 to January 16, 2025, reached 815 956, comprising 34 605 international overnight visitors, 414 171 domestic overnight guests, and 367,180 day visitors. The anticipated direct spend from this activity totals an impressive R1.6 billion, contributing R4bn to the national GDP while generating 7 366 jobs.
Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of Fedhasa, echoed the optimism permeating the sector.
“Our traditional tourism hubs—Western Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga—had a significantly improved summer season for 2024/2025. Cape Town's performance was particularly outstanding,” Anderson said.
Durban also exceeded expectations, with provincial chairperson Brett Tungay estimating final occupancy figures between 80% and 85%, marking the strongest December season in four years.
Despite the positive results, Anderson cautioned that South Africa must not become complacent.
“Although we have seen 8.92 million international arrivals, this still equates to only 87% of our pre-COVID figures from 2019,” she said.
“We look forward to the impact of the new digital nomad visa, the TTOS, and the upcoming introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in 2025 to help us surpass these benchmarks. It is crucial to proactively market these new initiatives internationally.”
Tungay remarked on the successful festive season as a clear indicator that KZN’s tourism economy was on the mend after four turbulent years.
“We’re experiencing growth in KZN and moving in the right direction, albeit not fast enough,” he said, stressing that infrastructural improvements, specifically in roads and sanitation, are essential to propel tourism numbers back to pre-COVID-19 levels.
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