Tourism stats: South Africa sees over 4.2 million visitors this year
From January through May this year, UK visitor numbers jumped 8.3% year-on-year to over 182 340 – outpacing all other top source markets, and second only to Italy among European nations.
According to Statistics South Africa's latest International Tourism report, UK arrivals have now recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. That's ahead of the country's overall overseas tourism recovery rate, which currently sits at 88%. Number of tourists' difference between Jan – May 2024 and Jan – May 2025 by country of residence. Image: Stats SA report
Zooming out, South Africa's total international arrivals hit 4.22 million by the end of May, up 11.1% from the same period in 2024. Overseas arrivals grew 4.5% to 971 678, and European markets, in particular, showed solid growth at 4.9%.
European tourism highlights: Italy : up 8.8%
: up 8.8% The UK : up 8.3%
: up 8.3% Denmark : up 7.6%
: up 7.6% Russia : up 24.4% (from a smaller base)
: up 24.4% (from a smaller base) Switzerland : up 5.5%
: up 5.5% Germany: up 3.1%
Other regional tourism trends: North America saw a 2.2% increase overall, with Canada up 6.1% and the USA up 1.5%.
saw a 2.2% increase overall, with up 6.1% and the up 1.5%. Central and South America delivered a surprising 16.6% spike in arrivals. Argentina stood out with a massive 53.5% increase, while Brazil rose 13.4%.
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