International tourist arrivals reach 991,696 in July, taking the January–July total to 6.58 million; African markets lead growth with a 14.3% increase
South Africa’s tourism sector continued its strong growth trajectory in July, welcoming 991,696 international tourists, an increase of 12.5% compared with July 2025, according to the country’s Department of Tourism.
The latest figures take South Africa’s total international tourist arrivals between January and July 2026 to 6,576,169, representing a 12.4% increase over the corresponding period last year.
The growth has been broad-based, with arrivals from African markets rising 14.3% year on year, while overseas tourist arrivals increased by 5.7% during the first seven months of the year.
The figures are based on official tourism and migration statistics released by Statistics South Africa, which recorded 991,696 overnight foreign tourists in July. Of these, 785,469 were from SADC countries, 11,751 from other African markets and 193,637 from overseas markets.
Tourism strengthens its role in economic growth
The sustained increase in international arrivals comes as tourism continues to feature prominently in South Africa’s economic-growth strategy.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the latest data indicates that the country’s tourism growth is becoming increasingly geographically diversified, a development she described as one of the sector’s strategic priorities.
“The data reveals that the growth is becoming geographically diversified,” de Lille said, adding that the government would continue working with the private sector and other stakeholders to build on the momentum.
The minister also pointed to the recently launched Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as part of efforts to improve ease of travel and strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness as an international destination.
African markets remain a key growth driver
The 14.3% increase in arrivals from Africa highlights the continued importance of regional travel to South Africa’s tourism performance. Overseas markets also recorded positive growth, although at a more moderate pace.
The latest results build on the strong performance recorded during the first half of 2026. Between January and June, South Africa welcomed 5.58 million international tourists, up 12.3% from the same period in 2025. Arrivals from Africa increased by 14.3%, while overseas arrivals rose by 5.6%.
South Africa’s tourism performance has also benefited from efforts to strengthen international connectivity and improve access to the destination. New and expanded air links are expected to provide further opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
Tourism remains central to South Africa’s economy
The government has identified tourism as one of four priority sectors under Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership’s Operation Vulindlela, aimed at supporting inclusive economic growth, job creation and greater business confidence.
According to the Department of Tourism, the sector sustained 954,000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP.
With international arrivals continuing to grow at a double-digit pace in 2026, South Africa is positioning tourism as an increasingly important contributor to economic activity while seeking to diversify source markets and make travel to the country more accessible.
Source verification: The July 2026 arrival figures and growth rates have been independently checked against the official South African Department of Tourism release and Statistics South Africa’s International Tourism, July 2026 publication.
