June arrivals rise 9.8%, while the United States remains the country’s largest overseas source market for a second consecutive month
South Africa’s tourism industry continued its strong recovery in the first half of 2026, welcoming 5.58 million international visitors between January and June, representing a 12.3% year-on-year increase, according to the latest figures released by South African Tourism.
The growth was driven by robust demand from regional African markets and continued expansion in long-haul international travel, reinforcing South Africa’s position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
Strong Growth Across Regional and Overseas Markets
According to South African Tourism, arrivals from African markets increased by 14.3% during the first six months of the year, while overseas visitor arrivals grew 5.6%, reflecting balanced growth across both regional and international markets.
The positive momentum continued in June 2026, when South Africa welcomed 823,365 international tourists, up 9.8% compared with the same month last year.
Regional travel remained the primary growth driver, with arrivals from African countries increasing 12.1% year-on-year during the month.
United States Leads Overseas Markets
For the second consecutive month, the United States emerged as South Africa’s largest overseas source market.
During June, 40,566 American visitors travelled to South Africa, highlighting sustained demand from North America for the country’s wildlife, cultural, adventure and business tourism offerings.
Tourism Strategy Delivering Results
Commenting on the latest performance, Patricia de Lille, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, said the continued growth demonstrates the effectiveness of the country’s strategy to diversify its tourism products while strengthening partnerships across domestic and international markets.
She noted that expanding tourism experiences beyond traditional attractions has helped broaden South Africa’s appeal among both regional and long-haul travellers.
De Lille also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and international partners through joint marketing initiatives, particularly across the African continent, while simultaneously expanding promotional efforts in strategic overseas markets.
Focus on Connectivity and Accessibility
The South African government believes the sustained increase in visitor arrivals reinforces its long-term commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Key priorities include strengthening international air connectivity, simplifying travel access, and positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travel.
With international tourism continuing to recover, South Africa is expected to build on its positive momentum by further expanding its global market presence and promoting a wider range of tourism experiences throughout the country.
