South Africa says it recorded 7.6 million international tourist arrivals between January and November this year.

Patricia De Lille, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

“International tourist arrivals from January to November 2023 totalled 7.6 million, representing a remarkable 51.8 per cent increase when compared with the same period in 2022. While recovery towards pre-COVID-19 numbers is encouraging, this performance is 17.6 per cent lower compared to the same period in 2019.

“Africa continues to lead the way during the first 11 months of 2023. South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from the rest of the African continent, marking a significant 75.5 per cent of all arrivals, compared to the same period in 2022,” she said.

Within the African region, Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth, noted the minister. 

“Zimbabwe saw an exceptional 77.5 per cent increase in tourist arrivals, totalling 1.9 million, while Kenya recorded a 94.2 per cent surge, reaching 37,414 arrivals for January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year.

“I am so pleased by these numbers from the rest of the African continent. We view the region as very significant and important,” she said.

Ms Lille noted that Kenya’s remarkable performance could be attributed to the government’s strategic decision to simplify the visa regime earlier in the year and targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns.

According to her, the results on the continent were achieved through focused marketing, collaborations, and leveraging strategic opportunities by the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism and the broader tourism sector.

Ms Lille said South Africa remained an attractive destination for domestic and international travellers. She noted that the numbers showed that the tourism sector successfully drove travel to South Africa while shaping cultural exchanges and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

She explained that Americans exhibited strong momentum, with tourist arrivals from the Americas between January and November this year registered at 411,254, reflecting a 44.1 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2022.

The minister said the U.S. contributed the most, with 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

“The U.S. remains a top international source market for South Africa and has been recording robust, steady growth in arrivals in 2023. Based on our December projections, we anticipate recording our 2019 pre-pandemic arrivals well ahead of the forecasted recovery mooted for the 2024/2025 financial year.

“We are proud of the work done by the team working collaboratively alongside our stakeholders in the public and private sector to deliver exciting consumer and trade-facing projects to drive brand affinity and distribution channel initiatives to reignite this market,” she said.

The minister said the European markets showed some strength with 1.1 million tourist arrivals, as Europe contributed 14.6 per cent of the total arrivals during the first 11 months of 2023.

She said this marked a 43.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Ms Lille said the UK remained the top European source market, with 315,054 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 30.4.per cent growth.

“Germany experienced a 47.9 per cent increase in arrivals, amounting to 219,971 tourists. This was followed by the Netherlands, which saw an increase of 48.4 per cent, amounting to 117,948 tourist arrivals from this country. 

“Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 83.9 per cent, contributing 25,116 arrivals. Europe continues to show strong growth and recovery when compared to the same period in 2022,” added Ms Lille.

(NAN)