South Africa's tourism opportunity isn't only international visitors from Europe or America — the African market is extremely important and growing faster than overseas arrivals. This creates opportunities for businesses that understand regional travel, affordable tourism and local experiences, not just the traditional international tourist market.
Source: Department of Tourism
Frequently Asked Questions
Which region grew fastest — Africa or overseas?
Arrivals from Africa grew faster, at 14.3%, compared with 5.6% growth in overseas arrivals.
What period does this figure cover?
January to June 2026, compared with the same six-month period in 2025.
Why does the African tourism market matter for local businesses?
It creates opportunities in regional travel, affordable tourism, transport and local experiences that differ from the traditional long-haul international tourist market.