SA Tourism in ‘high spirits’ ahead of summer

Source: Tourism Update, 03/11/2022

South African Tourism has weighed in on the country’s latest tourism
stats, underlining that the improving numbers show the sector is in a
good position heading into the peak summer season.
Year-to-date, South Africa has received a total of 3.3 million
international arrivals, signalling a 165% increase compared with the
same period in 2021.

“Our tourism numbers continue to show a steady upward trajectory.
We’re excited to head into summer, which is our peak season, with such
great performance and in high spirits as a sector. This is also a good
indication that the work that our teams have been doing in the various
markets has been effective and is paying off,” said Themba Khumalo, SA
Tourism’s Acting CEO.
International arrivals into South Africa were over half a million (555
832) in August 2022, a 199% increase when compared with August 2021.
Month-to-month, there was a 10% growth in international arrivals
compared with July 2022.
According to the Stats SA insights, holidaymakers constituted the
majority of travellers to South Africa during August, followed by
individuals travelling for business, as well as students and tourists
travelling for medical treatment. Africa (with 75% of arrivals) and
Europe (15%) have consistently been the biggest sources of arrivals to
South Africa.
Domestic tourism a cornerstone
From a domestic front, more South Africans are also heeding the call
to explore their country. From January to August 2022, 21.3 million
domestic trips were taken, growth of 92% over the 2019 pre-pandemic
levels.
“Our domestic tourism sector is the cornerstone of our tourism sector,
so we are pleased to see that domestic tourism is growing, not only in
numbers but also in spend,” said Khumalo.
Year-to-date, domestic spend has seen growth of 190% over 2021 to
reach R59.2 billion (€3.3bn), with the average domestic tourist
spending R2 781 (€155) per trip.
“Interestingly, the number of bed nights increased, meaning people are
not only travelling but are spending more nights away from home. This
shows that, as South Africans, we are surely inculcating a culture of
travel amongst ourselves.”
Khumalo encouraged South Africans to view summer holiday deals on the
Sho’t Left website, to be able to book their festive season travel at
affordable rates.

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