Travel and Tourism in South Africa

Travel and Tourism in South Africa

The South African travel and tourism industry is a vital sector for the country’s economy and employment. According to Statista1, the industry contributed 8.6% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and 9.2% to the total employment in 2021.

The industry is also a major attraction for international tourists, who visit South Africa for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, cultural diversity, outdoor activities, eco-tourism and conference facilities. In 2020, South Africa was the most visited country in Africa, with 3.8 million international arrivals1.

The industry has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in travel restrictions, lockdowns and reduced demand. The industry lost an estimated R54.2 billion in output and 438 000 jobs in 20202.

To recover from the impact of the pandemic, the Department of Tourism (NDT) and the private sector have collaborated to develop the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP), which aims to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability for long-term sustainability2.

Some of the initiatives under the TSRP include: providing relief funding and support for tourism businesses and workers; implementing health and safety protocols and standards across the tourism value chain; enhancing domestic marketing and promotion campaigns; facilitating visa reforms and air connectivity; developing new and diverse tourism products and experiences; supporting transformation and inclusion of historically disadvantaged enterprises; and investing tourism infrastructure, skills development and innovation.