Pretoria: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has reaffirmed that tourism is a key driver of economic growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa. Between January and December 2025, South Africa welcomed 10.48 million international arrivals, a 17.6% increase compared to 2024 and the highest number of arrivals on record. This confirms tourism's growing contribution to the economy, said the Minister who was addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister attributed this growth to deliberate policy choices, focused implementation, and strong collaboration between government and the private sector. Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a product of deep collaboration between government and industry being led by the South African Tourism Business Council.
The Minister highlighted the planned rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, beginning with key source markets including India, China, Mexico, and Indonesia, following its successful pilot during the G20 Summit. The full rollout is projected to create between 80,000 and 100,000 additional jobs, marking a significant transformation in the sector.
De Lille also welcomed new direct flights to and from the country, such as Qantas' direct flight from Perth to Johannesburg and the return of Air France's daily seasonal service to Cape Town. Additionally, SAA's new Cape Town-Mauritius route and expanded domestic connectivity, including FlySafair's Hoedspruit-Cape Town service, are expected to boost tourism demand across the country.
The Minister congratulated KwaZulu-Natal province for hosting a record-breaking 1.2 million visitors during the past festive season. She also highlighted the success of the Free State's Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, which has attracted over 80,000 visitors and generated more than R1 million in revenue since opening.
To enhance safety, the private sector has established a crime call centre linked to the Secura App for rapid emergency response. During the festive season, 1500 tourism monitors were deployed nationally, including more than 400 supporting the Border Management Authority.
South Africa's global competitiveness was further recognised when the country was named Best Destination: Africa 2025, by the Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Awards.