South Africa welcomed nearly 8.5 million tourists in 2023, which is 48.9 more compared to the previous year and India, too, grew by a hefty 43.7 pc, says South African Tourism, the country's official tourism board.

South Africa continues its post-pandemic recovery with a strong momentum driven by 48.9 pc increase compared to 2022. About 8.5 million visitors to the country in 2023, according to the latest figures by Statistics South Africa.

In a press statement, South African Tourism (SAT) says that the country also received 79,774 tourists from India, representing 43.7 pc growth compared to 2022.

Of the total, the board says that 6.4 million were visitors from other African countries, making up 75.6 pc of the total arrivals. Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 70.8 pc increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to 2022, totalling 2.1 million arrivals. Kenya recorded a 99 pc growth compared to the same period, reaching 42,403 arrivals.

 The statement adds that South African tourism recorded strong momentum from the Americas with tourist arrivals at 455,901, reflecting a 39.8 pc surge compared to the aforementioned period. Of those, 353,975 arrivals were from the United States of America, a 35 pc increase.

Meanwhile, the number of European tourists exceeded 1.2 million, representing a 38.2 pc increase compared to 2022. Within the EU continent, the majority of those who visited South Africa were tourists from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia.

But in terms of intercontinental arrivals, it was Asia that sat at the top. SAT says that tourists from Asian countries accounted for 199,308 arrivals, nearly 70 pc more than in 2022. Among other things, the number of Chinese tourists visiting South Africa increased by 204.9 pc compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 37,164.

SAT says that the Middle East saw a ‘robust increase’ with 54,339 arrivals in 2023 with 33.7 pc growth. Notably, there were 6,511 arrivals from the United Arab Emirates marking a 110 pc increase when compared to 2022. Visitation from Saudi Arabia was at 16,351 arrivals.

“Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime in 2023 as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns. This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travellers,” says Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.

According to the statement, the Minister highlighted the charm and magnetism of South Africa as a tourism destination, with specific mention of the reopening of the Chinese market and the resumption of direct flight routes in 2023. Looking ahead, de Lille emphasised the need to unlock barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access and airlift for sustained growth.

The minister also expressed commitment to working with partners and government colleagues to facilitate policy and regulation revisions.