International tourist arrivals increased by a robust12,5% year on year in July 2026, but hospitality industry representatives say accommodation occupancy rates have not yet fully recovered in some market segments.
Statistics South Africa’s latest international tourism release indicates strong growth in international arrivals, which Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and tourism associations have welcomed.
Stats SA said 3 154 725 traveller movements — arrivals, departures and transits — were recorded at South African ports of entry and exit in July 2026. “Overseas tourists accounted for 19,5% of all tourists, or 193 637 visitors. Holidays remained the main purpose of travel, with about 97,5% of tourists visiting South Africa for holiday purposes.”
The Department of Tourism said South Africa welcomed 991 696 international tourists in July 2026, an increase of 12,5% compared with July 2025.
“Cumulatively, international tourist arrivals between January and July 2026 reached 6 576 169, representing growth of 12,4% compared with the same period last year. Arrivals from Africa increased by 14,3% year on year during the period, while overseas arrivals grew by 5,7%,” said the Department.
De Lille said the data showed that tourism growth was becoming more geographically diversified, which she described as one of the department’s strategic priorities.
“Together with the private sector and stakeholders, we’ll continue to build on this momentum through the recently launched digital visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation system,” she said.
The department noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced tourism as one of four key sectors identified to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation and confidence under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership, Operation Vulindlela.In 2024, tourism sustained 954 000 direct jobs and contributed 4,9% to GDP.
Brett Tungay, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, said the increase in international arrivals was encouraging, but occupancy remained a concern.
“It’s a positive trend, but our concern remains occupancy. We are still far from a full recovery and need to see these figures rise to pre-Covid-19 levels,” Tungay said.
He said more marketing was needed to attract tourists and improve occupancy, particularly in the mid-market segment.
“Camping, caravanning and self-catering are performing poorly. The increase in international arrivals is positive news, but the sector has not yet fully recovered,” he added.
Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Naomi Crous said the figures provided further evidence that international tourism was strengthening.
“A 12,5% year-on-year increase in July is especially positive, as international visitors usually stay longer and contribute significantly to the broader tourism economy,” Crous said.
“South Africa has now moved beyond simply talking about recovery to seeing international tourism surpass pre-Covid levels.”
Crous said Stats SA recorded 10,5 million tourists in 2025, which was 2,6% higher than the 2019 figure.
“The continued growth is therefore a positive indication of sustained momentum rather than simply a post-Covid rebound,” she said.
“The challenge now is to maintain this momentum, attract more high-value international markets and ensure visitors have a positive experience so that South Africa remains competitive as a destination,” concluded Crous.
yogashen.pillay@nationalmg.co.za