Dear colleagues,
We hope you are keeping well as the first quarter of 2026 is already whizzing by. Our Insights & Analytics business unit in Johannesburg has released the final tourist arrival figures for January - December 2025, and North America continues to demonstrate steady, encouraging growth.
Results from both the United States and Canada highlight the ongoing demand for travel to South Africa and the collective progress made throughout the year.
January - December 2025 Arrivals Snapshot:
- Arrivals from the United States (391,939) increased 5.3% compared to the same period (Jan – Dec) last year.
- Arrivals from Canada (65,744) rose 13.2% year over year (Jan – Dec).
These results reflect consistent momentum and a positive close to the year. As we look ahead, this performance provides a strong foundation to build on as we continue working to drive travel from the region in 2026.
As noted in Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille’s recent address, tourism remains a key driver of economic growth, investment, and job creation in South Africa. Between January and December 2025, the country welcomed 10.48 million international arrivals [from all regions], representing a 17.6% increase over 2024 and the highest annual arrival figure on record. This performance reinforces tourism’s growing contribution to the national economy.
Tourism currently sustains an estimated 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs, with approximately one job supported for every 13 international arrivals, underscoring the meaningful impact of continued growth across our source markets.
