South Africa welcomed 991,696 international tourists in July 2026, marking a 12.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to official data released by the Department of Tourism.
The surge brings total arrivals between January and July 2026 to 6.58 million, up 12.4 percent year‑on‑year.
Arrivals from Africa rose 14.3 percent while overseas visitors increased 5.7 percent, reflecting broader geographic diversification.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the growth aligns with government efforts to simplify travel and expand market reach.
“Together with the private sector and stakeholders, we’ll continue building on this momentum through the recently launched digital visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation system,” she said.
The latest figures signal renewed confidence in the country’s travel industry as global mobility rebounds.
JN/APA